Modular customer premises equipment for providing broadband internet

ABSTRACT

A device includes a first housing having a first end configured to couple to an electric meter and a second end configured to couple to an electric meter socket. A power module is disposed at least partially within the first housing and is configured to couple to electrical wiring at a premises. The device includes a second housing having an antenna array, a feed network communicatively coupled to the power module and configured to split power and distribute the power to at least one element of one or more sub-arrays of the antenna array, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) module communicatively coupled to the antenna array and the power module, and a broadband over powerline (BPL) interface communicatively coupled to the WWAN module and the power module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/202,526, filed Mar. 16, 2021, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/991,436, filedMar. 18, 2020, entitled “Broadband-Over-Powerline Systems and Methods,”U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/006,304, filed Apr. 7, 2020,entitled “Fixed Wireless Device at Premise for Providing BroadbandInternet,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/110,538, filed Nov.6, 2020, entitled “Predetermining Phase and/or Amplitude for AchievingPolarization Diversity and Flat Pattern Gain,” the entirety of which areherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

With the proliferation of the Internet, individuals and business arebecoming more connected. The demand for services available on theInternet and the availability of devices to access the Internet hasincreased rapidly. Despite this increase, much of the world lacks accessto broadband internet (e.g., DSL, cable, fiber-optic, satellite, etc.).This need has forced carriers, providers, and equipment manufacturers todevelop high throughput solutions with 4^(th) generation long termevolution (4G LTE) and 5^(th) generation (5G) technologies. Theseservices generally require delivering fiber-optic networks to individualpremises. However, certain premises may be difficult and/or costly toaccess.

To overcome these deficiencies, some providers utilize wirelesstechnology to deliver broadband internet. As wireless technology evolvesto higher frequencies to increase throughput and capacity, buildingpenetration becomes untenable. For example, conventional systems fail topenetrate structures when wireless signals are attenuated below usefullevels. Additionally, existing wireless technologies are designedaccording to specific polarizations. However, in non-line of sight(NLOS) communications, topography and obstructions (e.g., building,vegetation, etc.) make it difficult for transmitting and receivingsignals. In such instances, the signals may be reflected, diffracted,refracted, and scattered, and incident signals may be cross-polarized.This results in transmission nulls and lost data.

Further technological improvements may enhance access to broadbandinternet and increase user experiences.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items or features. The systems and devices depicted in theaccompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figuresmay be depicted not to scale with each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example environment, showing a basestation radio device communicating with customer premises equipment(CPE), or other user equipment (UE) and/or end user device (EUD), forproviding broadband internet to a premises, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. In some instances, the base station radiodevice and the CPE may communicate over a dynamic shared spectrum (DSS)(e.g., Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)). The base station radiodevice ultimately couples to a backhaul network (e.g., fiber-opticnetwork) for transmitting and receiving broadband data to and from aninternet service provider (ISP) or service provider network (SPN).Additionally, the CPE communicatively couples to a router located withinthe premises for providing broadband internet to consumer device(s)within the premises.

FIG. 2 illustrates example computing components of the base stationradio device, the CPE, and the router of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a first perspective view of the CPE of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second perspective view of the CPE of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first end view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second end view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first side view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a second side view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , showing anexample transceiver system of the CPE, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the example components of the transceiver system ofFIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates the CPE of FIG. 1 , showing example components forremovably coupling portions of the CPE from a body of the CPE, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates the CPE of FIG. 1 , showing the example transceiversystem of FIG. 7 removed to illustrate the example components of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 , illustrates a top view of the example transceiver system ofFIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the CPE of FIG. 1 , showing anexample transceiver system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a customer premisesequipment (CPE), including a top that may be disposed from a body of theCPE for placing the top at various locations relative to the body,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of the CPE of FIG. 1 installedwithin an example electric meter panel and coupled to an exampleelectric meter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a side view of the CPE of FIG. 1 installed withinthe electric meter panel and coupled to the electric meter of FIG. 14A,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example antenna feed network of the exampletransceiver system of FIG. 12 , according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a graph showing antenna gain and polarizations of anexample antenna and associated feed network, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a graph showing antenna gain and polarizations of anexample antenna and associated feed network, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a graph showing antenna gain and polarizations of anexample antenna and associated feed network, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates a graph showing antenna gain and polarizations of anexample antenna and associated feed network, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates diverse physical layer (PHY) technologies coupled tothe CPE of FIG. 1 for providing broadband internet, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example process for providing broadband servicesto a premises, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example process for determining phase shiftsand/or amplitudes of antenna feeds within a transceiver system,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to systems and methods thatprovide broadband internet (e.g., high-speed internet) to a premises. Insome instances, the systems and methods discussed herein may useBroadband over Power Line (BPL) technology (alternatively referred to apowerline communication (PCL) and/or internet over power line (IPL)) todeliver broadband internet to a variety of premises, such as homes,multi-family units and/or places of business. Utilizing existingelectrical wiring of the premises may alleviate the need to buildbroadband facilities, structures, and/or route cables to individualpremises. In such instances, BPL technology makes use of existingelectrical wiring of the premises. Because of this, in some instances,utility companies (e.g., water, gas, electricity) that provide power (orother utilities) may also provide broadband internet as a service. Thismay consolidate consumer expenditures and increase user convenience.

In some instances, a plurality of base station radio devices may bedisposed atop vertical structures (e.g., utility poles and streetlights) and which communicate with customer premises devices (CPEs)disposed at the premises. The base station radio devices maycommunicatively couple to an internet service provider (ISP), wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or service provider network (SPN) that offers orotherwise provides broadband internet to consumers. In some instances,the base station radio devices may communicatively couple to the SPN viaa backhaul network, such as fiber-optic, cables, and/or millimeter wave(mmWave) technology. Additionally, or alternatively, the base stationradio devices may communicate with the SPN or be connected to the SPNvia powerlines of a utility service using BPL technology (e.g., overmedium or low voltage powerlines), and/or may use other technologies.Regardless of the specific implementation, the communication between thebase station radio devices and the SPN represents a high-speedcommunication path for providing broadband internet.

The base station radio devices may also include components for routing,networking, and switching functions to facilitate the conveyance ofbroadband internet between consumers (e.g., users, entities, etc.),other consumers (e.g., users, entities, etc.), and the SPN. In someinstances, the base station radio devices may communicate with oneanother (e.g., mmWave) to transmit and receive data, and/or couple tothe SPN. The base station radio devices function to provide broadbandinternet to the CPEs (and ultimately the premises) by wirelesslycommunicating with the CPEs. To wirelessly communicate with one another,the base station radio devices and the CPEs may include modems,antenna(s), an array of antenna(s), transceiver systems, antenna feednetworks, and so forth. In some instances, the antenna(s) of the basestation radio devices and/or the antenna(s) of the CPEs may include aplurality of modems and/or antennas for communicating over a range offrequencies (e.g., mid frequencies, high frequencies, etc.). Theantenna(s) of the base station radio device(s) and/or the CPEs mayinclude antennas for any disparate number of communication technologies(e.g., 4G LTE, 5G, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the CPE mayinclude various interfaces for communicating with the SPN via wiredtechnologies and physical layer (PHY) technologies at the premises(e.g., Coaxial Cable, DSL, Fiber, etc.). In some instances, the CPE mayinclude modular components for interchanging modems, antenna(s), and soforth depending on which communication technologies are utilized fordelivering broadband internet.

In some instances, the base station radio device and the CPE mayutilize, or communicate, over any dynamic shared spectrum (DSS). By wayof example, the base station radio device and the CPE may communicateover a 3100 MHz to 4200 MHz DSS, such as a C- band spectrum (3700MHz-4200 MHz). In some instances, the base station radio device and theCPE may communicate within specific ranges of the DSS, such as theCitizens Broadcast Radio Spectrum (CBRS) between 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz.However, other frequencies are envisioned and may be utilized.Regardless, the base station radio device and the CPE may includecorresponding modem(s) and antenna(s) for communicating over desiredfrequencies, or at desired frequencies. In some instances, and as notedabove, the antenna(s) and/or modems of the base station hub deviceand/or the CPE may be modular and interchangeable depending on thespecific implementation.

With the varying frequencies at which the base station radio device andthe CPE communicate, under-utilized frequencies may be used depending ondemand and load. That is, the base station radio device and the CPE maycommunicate with one another over a plurality of frequencies anddepending on current loads within those frequencies. In some instances,the base station radio device and/or the CPE may include multiple radiotransceiver ports coupled to the ports of one or more antenna elementsvia a coupling network. This may result in the CPE having amultiple-input and/or multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for receiving highfrequencies and/or mid frequencies. In some instance(s), the antenna(s)may represent a massive MIMO for transmitting and receiving signalsacross a wide spectrum of frequencies.

The antenna(s), a transceiver system, and/or an antenna feed network ofthe base station radio devices and/or the CPEs may also be configured tobeamform or beam steer in order to increase a signal strength with thebase station radio device(s). For example, the antenna(s) of the basestation radio devices and/or the CPEs may be steered to transmit signalsin a specific direction rather than broadcasting signals in alldirections. In such instances, the antenna(s) (or the array ofantenna(s)) may determine a direction of interest for sending andreceiving a stronger signal in the direction of interest. As anotherexample, the antenna(s) of the base station radio devices and/or theCPEs may transmit signals in a plurality of directions rather thanbroadcasting signals in all directions or a single direction. Herein,the antenna(s) of the CPEs may form multiple beams within communicationchannels between the CPE and the base station radio device. In suchinstances, the antenna(s) (or the array of antenna(s)) may determine thedirections of interest for sending and receiving a stronger compositesignal to the base station radio device.

The CPEs are installed at the premises of the consumer (e.g., homeand/or place of business) and may represent a fixed wireless device. Insome instances, the CPEs may be installed on an exterior side of thepremises at a demarcation point in which services (e.g., power, phone,television, etc.) are provided to the premises. In some instances, theCPE may be installed within an electric meter panel and coupled to theelectric meter and the electrical wiring of the premises. For example,the CPE may include a housing that fits within an existing electricmeter panel and when installed, is interposed between the electric meterpanel and the electric meter. This coupling may provide power to theCPE, transfer power to the electric meter for metering, and connect theCPE with (or to) the electrical wiring of the premises. In someinstances, a router may be plugged into an outlet within the interior ofthe premises and located proximate to the CPE to reduce dissipationand/or noise. The router and the CPE may be paired with one another aspart of an out of box experience (OOBE) for providing broadbandinternet. Therein, the router may broadcast broadband internet within aninterior of the premises.

The CPE includes one or more interfaces for communicating with therouter. For example, the CPE may include a BPL interface and a modemcoupled to the antenna(s). The BPL interface and the modem may becommunicatively coupled with one another. In some instances, the BPLinterface and the modem (and/or the antenna(s)) may be components of asystem on a chip (SoC) of the CPE. As the antenna(s) of the CPE receivesthe broadband internet from the base station radio device(s), or via DHYtechnologies, the modem may communicate the broadband data to the BPLinterface (e.g., via digital and/or Ethernet interface). The BPLinterface is configured to transmit the broadband data over theelectrical wiring of the premises to the router. However, the CPE mayutilize other existing wiring of the premises (e.g., plastic fiber,twisted pair, coax, etc.) for providing broadband data to the premises.In such instances, the CPE may include a LAN interface.

The router, which is located within the interior side of the premises,may include a BPL interface for receiving the broadband data from theCPE. The BPL modem of the CPE and the BPL modem of the router thereforeallows for the CPE and the router to communicate over the electricalwiring of the premises. The router further includes a wireless modem andantenna(s) for distributing broadband internet to the premises, orconsumer device(s) within the premises. For example, the antenna(s) ofthe router may include a Wi-Fi module for supplying the premises withWi-Fi (e.g., 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 6 GHz, etc.). The antenna(s)may also be modular or interchangeable to provide additional Wi-Fifrequency bands to the premises. In some instances, the router maybroadcast the broadband internet via wireless and/or wired technologies(e.g., Ethernet, coaxial cable, USB, twisted pair, plastic fiber, etc.).In some instances, the antenna(s), BPL interface, and/or modem of therouter may be components of a SoC of the router.

Wirelessly coupling the base station radio device and the CPE may avoidconventional problems associated with providing broadband internet toindividual premises. For example, costs, time, and inconveniences,sometimes referred as the last mile problem, are often limiting factorsin providing broadband internet. Compared to conventional techniquesthat physically connect premises to the SPN, using wirelesscommunication between the base station radio device and the CPE, as wellas BPL technology, may reduce these challenges. For example, consumersmay no longer be expected to be home while broadband internet is set up.In this manner, coupling the CPEs to the electrical wiring of thepremises (i.e., the electric meter panel and the electric meter) alsoaddresses challenges associated with building penetration.

However, in NLOS applications, topography and obstructions make itdifficult for transmitting and receiving signals. For example, thesignals transmitted by the CPE may be reflected, diffracted, refracted,and scattered. In some instances, to overcome challenges associated withwireless communications between the CPE and the base station radiodevice, the CPE may include, or the antenna of the CPE may represent, amulti-antenna array having antennas arranged with differentpolarizations. The antenna(s) may include sub-arrays having multipleelements. In some instances, each sub-array of the multi-antenna arraymay include two orthogonally polarized elements. Additionally, eachelement of the sub-array may include a dedicated antenna feed port. Byselecting specific polarizations, and determining the phase and oramplitude of the antenna feeds, the multi-antenna array may have aradiation pattern with a predetermined variable polarization. In someinstances, the predetermined variable polarization may be a function ofthe direction of departure and arrival of signals. For example, themulti-antenna array may have linear, circular, and/or ellipticalpolarizations as a function of the direction of arrival/departure in thepattern.

The multi-antenna array includes a structure for supporting the antennafeed network and orienting the elements such that the multi-antennaarray realizes a directional radiation pattern in azimuth and elevationthat is greater than the radiation pattern of a sub-array pattern. Forexample, in some instances, the multi-antenna array may be implementedas a non-planar array having sub-arrays arranged to form a pattern thathas a beamwidth that exceeds the radiation pattern of the individualsub-array beamwidths. That is, each of the individual sub-arrays have anindividual beamwidth, but when these beams experience constructiveinterference, a beam of the multi-antenna array may have a width thatexceeds that of the individual sub-arrays. In some instances, thesub-arrays may include two orthogonally polarized elements and eachelement within the sub-array may have a dedicated antenna feed port. Thesub-array may be implemented as a patch antenna having a first patchfeed (and associated port) and a second patch feed (and associated port)that are orthogonally polarized.

In some instances, the multi-antenna array may include a singletransmission port or a single receiving port, and/or a singletransmission/receiving port. In instances where only a singletransmission/receiving port is included, the singletransmission/receiving port may split or combine thetransmitted/received signal amongst the sub-arrays and drive individualelements of the sub-arrays. This splitting/combining makes it possiblefor the CPE to include a single transmission/receiving port but havevariable polarizations across the pattern. Additionally, this results inequal power or predetermined unequal power being transceived by theelement(s).

The multi-antenna array increases the number of transmission andreceiving ports in MIMO and coherent space-polarization MIMO radiosystems. For example, in conventional systems, if there is only onetransmission port, then only one polarization may be used to illuminatethe propagation channel. However, in such instances, this polarizationmay not be optimal for the communication channel between the CPE and thebase station radio device (or between two devices). The multi-antennaarray may be capable of eliminating polarization dependent loss (PDL)and utilizing a method of polarization mode dispersion combining tooptimize the Signal to Interference to Noise Ratio (SINR) at thereceiver to extend range and increase throughput.

The differently polarized elements of the multi-antenna array allowsreceivers to implement PDL mitigation and adaptive interferencemitigation based at least in part on polarization mode dispersion (PMD)processing. For example, the multi-antenna array provides a continuousdistribution of polarizations from linear, elliptical, and circular. Byway of example, envision that for a multi-antenna array that includesthree patches, assume that the left patch includes a verticalpolarization, the center patch includes a horizontal polarization (i.e.,orthogonal polarization for the center patch), and the right patchincludes a vertical polarization. Additionally, the left and rightpatches may be driven with equal phase while the center patch may bedriven with a composite 90 degree phase shift. That is, the compositephase of the center patch is the sum of the phase delay realized in thefeed and the time of flight phase delay due to the physical separationof the patch antennas. If the polarization of the left patch ismeasured, a vertical polarization is verified. As the measurementposition moves from left to right, around the pattern, the polarizationvaries from the initial vertical polarization, through ellipticalpolarization, to circular polarization, and once again to verticalpolarization in the right patch.

The multi-antenna array seeks to create a variable polarization over itsbeamwidth for polarization diversity. The variation in polarization isobserved to change in a trajectory around the PoincaréSphere. In someinstances, the receiver may receive signals having the vertical,circular, and/or elliptical polarizations. By diversifying thepolarization, the CPE may more effectively communicate with the basestation radio device. For example, when communicating with a multi-portreceiver equipped with coherent spatial and/or polarization combiningcapability, such as the base station radio device, there is asignificant advantage if the transmitter maximizes the spatial andpolarization diversity. In effect, the multi-antenna array of the CPEenhances the apparent diversity via predetermined polarizations to allowthe base station radio device to implement polarization dependent lossmitigation and mitigate interference and jamming through spatial andpolarization processing over the bandwidth of the signal.

In some instances, the polarization diversity may be accomplished, atleast in part, by precoding the phase and/or amplitude of the feeds intothe elements of the sub-arrays. For example, to adjust the polarization,and/or the direction of departure/arrival of signals in themulti-antenna array, the phase and/or amplitude of the feeds to/from theelements may be predetermined. In some instances, the phase and/oramplitude may be determined as a function of the direction of arrivingsignals / transmitting signals (i.e., where the multi-antenna array isreceiving signals from and transmitting signals to). By way of example,the sub-array may be precoded or programmed to exhibit a 70 degreepattern in both azimuth and elevation, while the multi-antenna arrayachieves a 3 dB pattern of +/−90 degrees azimuth with respect to themulti-array antenna's boresight and an elevation of −0 degrees to +70degrees with respect to the plane formed by the earth's surface.

In some instances, multi-antenna array may include two-way or three-waypower splitters/combiners to drive ports of each element within themulti-antenna array. Using orthogonal elements for adjacent sub-arraysserves to reduce the constructive or destructive interference asorthogonal components do not interfere with each other. Statedalternatively, the use of polarization diversity in the non-planarmulti-antenna array reduces the parasitic effects of beam overlap andsidelobes. In some instances, the beamwidths from the sub-arrays maypartially overlap to result in destructive interference decreasing thearray gain in specific directions. Conversely beam overlap and sidelobesmay interfere constructively, resulting in gain peaking over thebeamwidth. This constructive interference may result in excess gain inspecific directions that exceed Federal Communications Commission (FCC)limits for Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). If the EIRP isexceeded in any specific direction the transmitter power may be requiredto be reduced for the entire array beamwidth resulting in shorter rangeand coverage over the beamwidth. This gain unflatness across thebeamwidth is undesirable. Therefore the array element precoding(polarizations, power and phase) are pre-determined to maximizepolarization diversity while minimizing gain variation across the arraybeamwidth.

The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of theprinciples of the structure, function, device, and system disclosedherein. One or more examples of the present disclosure are illustratedin the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art willunderstand and appreciate that the devices, the systems, and/or themethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The featuresillustrated or described in connection with one embodiment, or instance,may be combined with the features of other embodiments or instances.Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the disclosure and appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment 100 for providing broadbandinternet to a premises 102 (e.g., building, house, multi-dwellingcomplex, etc.). In some instances, the environment 100 may include asystem 104 for providing the broadband internet to the premises 102. Thesystem 104 may, in some instances, include one or more base stationradio devices 106, one or more customer premises devices (CPE) 108, oneor more routers 110, and/or one or more consumer device(s) 112.

The base station radio device 106 is shown coupled to utility polestructures 114 for being disposed above the ground. In some instances,the base station radio devices 106 may be configured to mount to theutility pole structures 114, or on other structures, to verticallydispose the base station radio devices 106 above the ground. Forexample, the base station radio devices 106 may be disposed on a side ofa building, a light pole, stop lights, telephone poles, and so forth. Insome instances, the base station radio device 106 may be disposed on theutility pole structures 114 for communicatively coupling to a serviceprovider network (SPN) 116.

In some instances, a backhaul 134 may couple the base station radiodevices 106 to the SPN 116. The backhaul 134 may, in some instances,represent a network for providing broadband internet to the premises102. For example, the backhaul 134 may include or represent cables(e.g., fiber-optic cables) that span between the utility pole structures114 and which ultimately route to the SPN 116 for providing broadbandinternet. In some instances, the backhaul 134 may first route to amiddle-mile location with broadband internet (e.g., hospital, policestation, etc.) before routing to the SPN 116. In some instances,additionally or alternatively, the base station radio devices 106 maycommunicate with the SPN 116 via wireless technologies (e.g., mmWave).However, the backhaul 134 may be routed differently than shown forcommunicating with the SPN 116. For example, rather than the backhaul134 being disposed on the utility pole structures 114, the backhaul 134(or portions) thereof may be buried and the base station radio devices106 may couple to the backhaul 134. In such instances, the base stationradio devices 106 may be disposed on vertical structures (e.g., lightpoles).

Regardless of the specific implementation, the base station radiodevices 106 may be connected to the SPN 116 for accessing broadbandinternet provided by the SPN 116. Disposing the base station radiodevices 106 on the utility pole structures 114 utilizes an existingnetwork of vertical structures for providing broadband internet.Furthermore, discussed herein, disposing the base station radio devices106 on the utility pole structures 114, or other vertical structures,may provide an unobstructed transmission path (or reduced unobstructedpath) between the base station radio devices 106 and the CPEs 108, viceversa. Additionally, noted above, in communities that lack the utilitypole structures 114, the base station radio devices 106 may be disposedon vertical structures other than the utility pole structures 114, suchas light poles.

The base station radio devices 106 may function to provide broadbandinternet to one or more premises. For example, a first base stationradio device may be disposed on a first powerline structure to providebroadband internet to one or more first premises, while a second basestation radio device may be disposed on a second powerline structure toprovide broadband internet to one or more second premises. In someinstances, the one or more first premises may be the same as, or includesome of, the one or more second premises. For example, referring to FIG.1 , the base station radio device 106 may provide broadband internet tomultiple premises, including the premises 102. However, it is to beunderstood that more than two base station radio devices 106 may beincluded and any number of base station radio devices 106 may installedfor providing broadband internet to a geographical region. For example,within densely populated areas, a larger number of base station radiodevices 106 may be installed per block, radius, mile, etc. as comparedto less densely populated areas. In this sense, the system 104 may bescaled as needed depending on demand, usage, and/or throughputrequirements.

The base station radio devices 106 may communicate with nearby CPEs,such as the CPE 108, installed at the premises 102. The base stationradio device 106 may wirelessly communicate with the CPE 108 via acommunication channel 118 to provide broadband internet offered by theSPN 116. In some instances, the communication channel 118 between thebase station radio device 106 and the CPE 108 may support anydynamically shared spectrum (DSS) (e.g. between 3100 MHz and 4200 MHz).In some instances, the communication channel 118 may support theCitizens Broadcast Radio Spectrum (CBRS) between 3550 MHz and 3700 MHz.In some instances, the communication channel 118 may include anylow-band, mid-band and/or high-band frequencies, regardless of the DSS.However, it is to be understood that the communication channel 118 maysupport any range of frequencies for providing broadband internet to thepremises 102.

The CPE 108 includes antenna(s) 120 (or a multi-antenna array) forcommunicating, via the communication channel 118, with the base stationradio device 106 and via an antenna of the base station radio device 106(not shown in FIG. 1 .). In some instances, depending on the range offrequencies (or spectrum) at which the base station radio device 106 andthe CPE 108 are configured to communicate, the CPE 108 may be configuredaccordingly. For example, the antenna(s) 120 may be interchangeable toaccommodate for the spectrum, or range of frequencies, at which the basestation radio device 106 and the CPE 108 communicate. In such instances,components of the CPE 108 may be modular or configurable to changeantennas, modems, interfaces, and so forth. Multiple antennas, orantenna housings, may be configured to attach to the CPE 108. Suchconfiguration may make the CPE 108 modifiable to accommodate newtechnologies and communication protocols.

The CPE 108 may include, or the antenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108 mayrepresent, a multi-antenna array having antennas (e.g., two, three,four, etc.) arranged with different polarizations. The antenna(s) 120may include sub-arrays having multiple patches or elements (e.g., two).In some instances, each sub-array of the multi-antenna array may includetwo orthogonally polarized elements and each element of the sub-arraymay include a dedicated antenna feed port. By selecting specificpolarizations, and determining the phase and or amplitude of the antennafeeds, the antenna(s) 120 may have a radiation pattern with apredetermined variable polarization.

In some instances, the predetermined variable polarization may be afunction of the direction of departure and arrival of signals and/or inthe antenna array. For example, the antenna array may have linear,circular, and/or elliptical polarizations, which may be a function ofthe direction of arrival/departure in the antenna array pattern. Bydiversifying the polarization, the CPE 108 may more effectivelycommunicate with the base station radio device 106. Statedalternatively, the base station radio device 106 may more efficientlycommunicate with the CPE 108 given the variable polarization over abeamwidth generated by antenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108. For example, theantenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108 may enhance the apparent diversity viapredetermined polarizations to allow the base station radio device 106to implement DPL mitigation and mitigate interference and jammingthrough spatial and polarization processing over the bandwidth of thesignal. This is in comparison to conventional antennas that areconditioned on a fixed polarization or fixed dual orthogonalpolarization.

The CPE 108 may be constrained such that, for example, only one transmitport is provided. In this example, the polarization diversity may beaccomplished, at least in part, by splitting the transmitter power andprecoding the phase and/or amplitude of the transmit signal feeds intothe elements of the sub-arrays. For example, to adjust the polarization,and/or the direction of departure/arrival of signals in themulti-antenna array, the phase and/or amplitude of the feeds to/from theelements may be predetermined. In some instances, the phase and/oramplitude may be determined as a function of the direction of arrivingsignals/transmitting signals (i.e., where the multi-antenna array isreceiving signals from and transmitting signals to). The selection ofthe amplitudes and phase shifts are predetermined to minimizetransmitter gain variation across the antenna pattern and maximize thepolarization diversity over the antenna pattern.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may be configured to attach as a metercollar and within existing electric meters (or panels), which may be asmart meter of the premises 102. Additional details of the meter collarare discussed in detail herein. However, generally, the meter collarincludes a power module configured to supply power to the CPE 108 andwhich couples to the electrical wiring of the premises 102.Alternatively, the CPE 108 may attach to the premises 102 at anydemarcation point between a utility service and the premises 102 (e.g.,electrical panel).

The CPE 108 may include one or more interface(s) for communicativelycoupling with the router 110 and providing the broadband internet to theconsumer device(s) 112. In some instances, the interfacescommunicatively couple the CPE 108 and the router 110 over theelectrical wiring of the premises 102 for providing broadband internetto the consumer device(s) 112 within the premises 102. (e.g., personalcomputer, laptop, television, printer, audio/video receiver, audioequipment, video equipment, mobile devices, tablets, etc.). For example,the CPE 108 is shown including a first BPL interface 122 forcommunicating with a second BPL interface 124 of the router 110. Inaddition, the CPE 108 may include a first modem module 126 forcommunicating with a second modem module 128 of the router 110. The CPE108 may include alternate interfaces as well, such as a LAN interfacefor communicating with the router 110.

Collectively, the BPL interfaces and the modem modules may providebroadband internet to the consumer device(s) 112. For example, the BPLinterfaces allow the CPE 108 and the router 110 to communicate over theelectrical wiring of the premises 102 for coupling the consumerdevice(s) 112 to the SPN 116. The modem modules act to wirelesslyreceive and transmit data between the SPN 116 and the consumer device(s)112. To briefly illustrate, the first modem module 126, via theantenna(s) 120, may receive broadband data from the base station radiodevice(s) 106. This broadband data is communicated with the first BPLinterface 122. The first BPL interface 122 then transmits the broadbanddata through the premises structure 130, via the electrical wiring ofthe premises 102, to the second BPL interface 124. The second modemmodule 128 then receives the broadband data from the second BPLinterface 124, and using antenna(s) 132, broadcasts the broadband datavia Wi-Fi to the consumer device(s) 112. For example, the second modemmodule 128 may include a Wi-Fi module to supply wireless internet to thepremises 102. Additionally, while one pathway of communication isdescribed, it is to be understood that the router 110 may similarlycommunicate with the CPE 108 for transmitting data from the CPE 108 tothe base station radio device 106 and the SPN 116.

The first modem module 126 and/or the second modem module 128 may beconfigured for certain spectrums. For example, the first modem module126 may be modular for adapting the CPE 108 to communicate with the basestation radio device 106 over a range of frequencies, and the secondmodem module 128 may be modular for adapting the CPE 108 to communicatewith the consumer device(s) 112 over a range of frequencies. Forexample, in some instances, the first modem module 126 may represent aCBRS modem for communicating with the base station radio device 106 inthe CBRS (3550 MHz-3700 MHz). Alternatively, the first modem module 126may represent a DSS modem for communicating with the base station radiodevice 106 via any frequency of the DSS (3100 MHz-4200 MHz). However, itis to be understood that the first modem module 126 may include othermodules (e.g., WWAN), interfaces, or components for wirelesslycommunicating with the base station radio device 106 over any frequency,or range of frequencies, such as mmWave.

The first modem module 126 may additionally or alternatively beconfigured for wired technologies (e.g., Ccable, DSL, twisted pair,etc.). In such instances, the CPE 108 may have ports or receptacles forreceiving the physical connections. Additionally, the first modem module126 may be interchangeable depending on the specific configuration ofthe CPE 108 (e.g., CBRS, BPL, mmWave, LAN, Optical etc.) or the router110 (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi, etc.). The CPE 108 may therefore be modular, withinterchangeable modem module(s) depending on the specific implementationand technologies at the premises 102. In some instances, the CPE 108 mayinclude an expansion port(s) (e.g., UART, I²C, SPI, SDIO, USB, GPIOs,etc.), a real-time clock, temperature sensor(s), a Joint Test ActionGroup (JTAG), and/or a 6× sensor.

Additionally, the second modem module 128 may represent other modemscoupled to the antenna(s) 132 and which are configured to provide Wi-Fito the consumer device(s) 112. For example, the second modem module 128may be configured to provide Wi-Fi other than 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz (e.g.,Near Field Communication (NFC)). Additionally, or alternatively, in someinstances, the router 110 may wirelessly broadcast the broadbandinternet to the consumer device(s) 112 via wired technologies such asEthernet, USB, coaxial, fiber optic, and the like. In such instances,the router 110 may include plug-ins for receiving the wiredtechnologies.

In some instances, the router 110 may represent a wall plug-in or devicethat otherwise plugs into a power outlet within the premises 102. Therouter 110 may receive power, via the power outlet, and ultimately viathe electrical wiring of the premises 102. As the CPE 108 couples to theelectrical wiring of the premises 102, via coupling to the electricmeter, the CPE 108 may communicate with the router 110 over theelectrical wiring within the premises 102. For example, the meter collarmay couple the CPE 108 with the neutral, earth ground wires and/or theline voltage wires that are fed into the premises 102 (or which feedinto the breaker box of the premises 102). Once the router 110 isplugged in, the CPE 108 may communicate with the router 110 using theelectrical wiring (e.g., wires). The BPL interfaces of the CPE 108 andthe router 110, respectively, decipher, interpret, and communicate withone another for transmitting and receiving data. In some instances, theCPE 108 and the router 110 may be paired together as part of aninstallation process in order to provide the broadband internet.

In some instances, the router 110 may be plugged into a wall outletlocated closest to the electric meter for reducing a noise and/or decayof the broadband data over the electrical wiring of the premises 102.For example, the broadband data may become attenuated with increasedwire lengths between the CPE 108 and the router 110. Additionally,appliances and/or devices that pull from the power supplied to thepremises 102, via the electrical wiring, may generate noise. In someinstances, the router 110 may be installed within a breaker box, or inclose proximity to the breaker box.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the CPE 108 may mount to an exterior (e.g.,outdoor) of the premises 102 and the router 110 may mount within or bedisposed within an interior (e.g., indoor) of the premises 102. Thiscombination, or respective positioning of the CPE 108 and the router 110may alleviate issues associated with building penetration. For example,wireless signals may fail to penetrate building materials (e.g., siding,roofing, studs, windows, etc.) of homes and/or business. By mounting theCPE 108 on an exterior-side of the premises 102, and communicativelycoupling the CPE 108 with the router 110 located on the interior-side ofthe premises 102 broadband internet may be provided to the consumerdevice(s) 112. This may provide high-throughput wireless technologies(e.g., 4G LTE, 5G, etc.) to the premises 102 and without experiencinglag, latency, and/or buffering.

However, in wireless technologies, challenges in NLOS application mayintroduce challenges. These challenges may be addressed, in part, by thepolarization diversity of the CPE 108. For example, in NLOSapplications, signals incident at the base station radio device 106 maybe cross-polarized. This may result in PDL and/or the transmission path(channel) may exhibit frequency selective multi-path fading wherereflected copies of the signal cancel one another at the antenna of thebase station radio device 106 to create a transmission null. However,the diversity of the polarization within the antenna(s) 120 allows thebase station radio device 106 to implement PDL mitigation and adaptiveinterference mitigation based at least in part on PMD processing.

In other words, the antenna(s) 120 intentionally introduces diversityfor transmitting signals and for communicating over channels with thebase station radio device 106. This makes it possible in MIMOapplications to perform digital baseband space or polarizationprocessing with transmission/receiving ports. For example, when a singletransmission port is intended to communicate with a multi-port receiverequipped with coherent spatial and/or polarization combining capability,there is a significant advantage if the transmitter can maximize thespatial and polarization diversity transmitted into the channel. Ineffect, the antenna(s) 120 may support a predetermined polarization as afunction of direction (e.g., azimuth) and based on the spatial orpolarization properties of the elements within the antenna(s) 120. Insome instances, the antenna(s) 120 may have a compact non-planar arrayof two or more dual-polarized sub-arrays. However, the antenna(s) 120may have any number of dual-polarized sub-arrays, such as four.

In some instances, the CPE 108 or the antenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108 maybe configured to beam-form for achieving optimum link properties withthe base station radio device(s) 106. In some instances, thebeam-forming may be achieved by using an antenna array or a MIMOantenna. Additionally, in some instances, the MIMO antenna may combineor aggregate signals received over disparate spectrums (or frequencies).Once combined, these signals may be provided to the premises 102 asbroadband internet. For example, in some instances, the CPE 108 maycombine broadband data received via mmWave frequencies and otherspectrums (e.g., CBRS) for providing high bandwidth and throughput tothe premises 102. Such aggregation may also utilize currently availablebandwidths and/or loads on the DSS. That is, a portion of the broadbandinternet supplied to the premises 102 may come by way of CBRS, whileanother portion may come by way of mmWave.

Additionally, in some instances, the antenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108 mayposition at various positions on and/or around the premises 102 forachieving an increased signal strength with the base station radiodevice 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the CPE 108 may mount to aside of the premises 102 facing the base station radio device 106. Insome instances, however, the electric meter may not be facing the basestation radio device 106 and/or a line of sight between the electricmeter and the base station radio device 106 may be obstructed (e.g.,trees, fences, buildings, etc.). In such instances, when the CPE 108mounts to the electric meter, the antenna(s) 120 may be similarlyobstructed, which may impact the communication channel 118 and/or reducea signal strength between the base station radio device 106 and the CPE108. Here, the antenna(s) 120, in some instances, may extend from theCPE 108 (coupled to the utility meter) to dispose the antenna(s) 120 atvarious positions for potentially eliminating physical obstructionsbetween the base station radio device 106 and the antenna(s) 120. Inthese instances, the antenna(s) 120 may communicate the broadband databack to the CPE 108 via a cable. The cable may extend to various lengthsusing, for example, a cable recoil system (e.g., torsional spring,retractable reel, etc.). To find the optimum location of the antenna(s)120 on the premises 102, various techniques or instruments may be used.Once the optimum location is found (e.g., highest signal strength), theantenna(s) 120 may be mounted at that location.

In some instances, and as alluded to above, the CPE 108 may be coveredby another base station radio device 106 mounted on another powerlinestructure and in communication with the CPE 108. These base stationradio devices 106 may also be connected to the same SPN 116 (via thebackhaul 134) as the CPE 108 to provide the broadband internet to theCPE 108. In some instances, the CPE 108 may connect with a nearest basestation radio device 106, a base station radio device 106 with which theCPE 108 has a strongest signal strength, and/or a base station radiodevice 106 having bandwidth to connect with the SPN 116. In otherinstances the CPE 108 may be simultaneously connected to multiple basestation radio devices 106 for allowing aggregation of data from themultiple base station radio devices 106.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may be configured to read electricalinformation, such as electrical consumption and/or generation over acertain period, statistical data analysis of thereof, outageinformation, etc. associated with the electric meter. The CPE 108 mayalso communicatively couple to other internet-accessible devices (e.g.,IoT) of the premises 102 for reading electrical usage and/or status. Forexample, the CPE 108 may report, or provide, data indicating energysavings, usage, load to service, and/or other statistical information ofthe premises 102. In such instances, the CPE 108 may tap into powersystems or components of the premises 102 for providing such information(e.g., batteries, solar panels, etc.). In some instances, the CPE 108may be configured to transmit the electrical information, usage data,and/or status data to a service entity (not shown) associated, via thecommunication channel 118 (and/or another communication channel) foradvanced metering and providing essential services.

In some instances, although the router 110 is discussed as beingseparate from the CPE 108, in some instances, the router 110 may beintegrated within the CPE 108. In such instances, the integrated CPE maybe disposed within the premises 102 and/or exterior the premises 102.Additionally, or alternatively, in some instances the CPE 108 and therouter 110 may wirelessly communicate with one another. In suchinstances, the CPE 108 and the router 110 may not communicate using theexisting electrical wiring within the premises 102. Instead, the CPE 108and the router 110 may include wireless interfaces/modems forcommunicating with one another. However, noted above, in some instances,the CPE 108 may act as a wireless router for providing broadbandinternet to the premises 102. Furthermore, in some instances, the router110 may be integrated within the CPE 108 and/or the CPE 108 (with therouter 110) may be mounted in the interior or exterior of the premises102.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may provide for an advanced meteringinfrastructure (AMI). Generally, AMI is an integrated system of smartmeters, communications networks, and data management systems thatenables two-way communication between utility companies and consumers.In some instances, AMI may eliminate the need for physically walking ordriving to premises within a community to measure readings of power,gas, water, and so forth. In some instances, the CPE 108 may be used asa component of AMI for providing utility data or reporting utility data.This data may be used to optimize utilities, such as system loss,reporting maintenance planning, improving customer perception andengagement, water management, conservation and energy efficiency,consumption versus revenue trends and forecasting, power qualitymonitoring, theft identification, and revenue recovery.

In part, this optimization may require an understanding of the premises102, and/or the condition and importance to the overall structure at thepremises 102. In some instances, this insight may be gleaned byaggregating utility data, including work history and condition rating,into a single system, balancing the importance of one factor versusanother, and updating any condition changes as they occur. By receivingthis data in real time, the utility company may obtain a more reliableview of the health of the premises 102, the consumption of utilitiesand/or services at the premises 102, and may make more meaningfulinvestment and work decisions on how to best balance compliance,reliability, safety and risk. For example, the CPE 108 may provideutility data (or other data) regarding the various components within thepremises 102 to the utility service. These components may include meters(e.g., gas, water, electricity, etc.) and/or appliances (e.g., coffeepot, light switch, oven, etc.). By communicatively coupling to thesemeters and/or appliances, via BPL and/or wireless technologies, dataassociated with use and consumption may be obtained. For example, theCPE 108 may determine electrical usage of certain appliances, and/or therouter 110 may communicatively couple to appliances within the premises102 (e.g., IoT). This coupling may be used to report usage andconsumption data, and/or may be used to control certain appliances(e.g., turning on a furnace when the consumer approached the premises).In some instances, tapping into the electrical wiring may be used tocontrol the assets within the premises 102. For example, by providingbroadband data transmission between electrical outlets within thepremises 102, or via the wireless communication pathways, there is thepotential to network all kinds of common appliances and control theirassociated operations.

FIG. 2 illustrates example components of the base station radio device106, the CPE 108, and the router 110. Discussed above, the base stationradio device 106 may be in communication via wired technologies (e.g., afiber-optic cable network) and/or wireless technologies (e.g., mmWave)with the SPN 116.

The base station radio device 106 may include one or more processor(s)200, computer-readable media 202, interface(s) 204, and/or antenna(s)206. The processor(s) 200 may include a central processing unit (CPU), agraphics processing unit (GPU), both a CPU and a GPU, or otherprocessing units or components. Additionally, each of the processor(s)200 may possess its own local memory, which also may store programmodules, program data, and/or one or more operating systems.

The processor(s) 200 may be coupled to the computer-readable media 202and execute computer executable instructions stored in thecomputer-readable media 202. The processor(s) 200 may also couplemodules and components of the base station radio device 106 to oneanother and may perform various functions including instructing andcausing the modules and components of the base station radio device 106to perform their associated functions. For example, the processor(s) 200may cause components of the base station radio device 106 to transmitand receive broadband data from the SPN 116, as well as transmit andreceive broadband data from the CPE 108.

As the base station radio device 106 communicatively couple to multipleCPEs 108 to provide broadband internet, the base station radio device106 may store, in the computer-readable media 202, indicators and/oridentifying information of individual CPEs 108. Such information may beutilized for communicating (e.g., routing) with respective CPEs 108 atrespective premises 102. For example, a particular base station radiodevice 106 may provide broadband internet to multiple premises. As thebase station radio device 106 sends data to respective premises, orreceives data from the respective premises, the base station radiodevice 106 may tag or otherwise mark this outgoing and incoming data.This marking may indicate which premises is the recipient and/ororiginator of the data. As such, the base station radio device 106 maytransmit the data to the respective premises, or to the properrecipients.

The interface(s) 204 couple the base station radio device 106 to the SPN116 (e.g., via the fiber-optic broadband network) for accessingbroadband internet. Additionally, the interface(s) 204 may couple thebase station radio device 106 to the CPE 108. For example, theinterface(s) 204 may be coupled to the processor(s) 200 and theantenna(s) 206 for communicating with the CPE 108 (and/or a plurality ofCPEs 108) to provide broadband internet. In some instances, theinterface(s) 204 may include modems, modules, or other components forwirelessly coupling with the CPE 108. For example, the interface(s) 204may include a DSS modem module, a CBRS modem module, C-band modemmodule, a WWAN modem module, and/or any other modem/module forcommunicating, via the communication channel 118, with the CPE 108(e.g., mid frequencies, high frequencies, etc.). The base station radiodevice 106 may therefore include a plurality of interface(s) 204 forcommunicating with corresponding interfaces (e.g., the first modemmodule 126) of the CPEs 108.

In some instances, the interface(s) 204 may include interfaces forinteracting with wide area networks (WAN), cellular networks, and soforth. The antenna(s) 206 may include an array of antennas for otherwisetransmitting data to, and receiving data from, the CPE 108. In someinstances, the antenna(s) 206 may beam-form for achieving optimum linkproperties with the CPE 108 and/or the SPN 116. The base station radiodevice 106 may include additional interface(s) for communicating withother base station radio devices 106 (and ultimately the SPN 116) usingwired and/or wireless technologies. Additionally, the antenna(s) 206 maybe capable of receiving signals with varying polarizations from the CPE108 (e.g., vertical, horizontal, elliptical, etc.).

In some instances, the base station radio device 106 may includeinput/output (I/O) components coupled to the processor(s) 200. The I/Ocomponents may be configured to communicate with a computing device,such as a computing device loaded with appropriate applications forprogramming or checking the status of the base station radio device 106.For example, the computing device may be operated by a utility serviceor company providing the broadband internet to the premises 102, andwhich is used for monitoring and/or troubleshooting issues experiencedby the base station radio device 106 and/or the CPE 108. The I/Ocomponents may also provide other information from the premises 102,such as usage data, data generated by appliances within the premises 102(e.g., IoT), for use in energy savings, system management, and/or loadto service determination.

The base station radio device 106 communicatively couples to the CPE 108via the communication channel 118. As shown, the CPE 108 may include oneor more processor(s) 208, computer-readable media 210, the antenna(s)120, the first BPL interface 122, and the first modem module 126, asdiscussed above with regard to FIG. 1 . In some instances, theprocessor(s) 208 may include a CPU and/or a GPU. Additionally, theprocessor(s) 208 may possess its own local memory, which also may storeprogram modules, program data, and/or one or more operating systems. Theprocessor(s) 208 may be coupled to the computer-readable media 210 andexecute computer executable instructions stored in the computer-readablemedia 210.

The processor(s) 208 may be also coupled modules and components of theCPE 108 and may perform various functions including instructing andcausing the modules and components of the CPE 108 to perform theirassociated functions. For example, the processor(s) 208 may causecomponents of the CPE 108 to send and receive broadband data to and fromthe base station radio device 106, and to send and receive broadbanddata to and from the router 110. For example, as the antenna(s) 120receive broadband data from the base station radio device 106, theprocessor(s) 208 may cause this data to be sent to the router 110 viathe first BPL interface 122. The processor(s) 208 may therefore routebroadband data from the antenna(s) 120 to interfaces of the CPE 108, andvice versa, for providing broadband internet to the premises 102.

The first BPL interface 122 of the CPE 108 is shown communicating withthe second BPL interface 124 of the router 110. For example, acommunication channel 212 exists between the first BPL interface 122 andthe second BPL interface 124. Noted above, the communication channel 212may represent a communication channel over the electrical wiring of thepremises 102, where the broadband data is transmitted over wires orother cables within the premises 102. However, although the discussionherein is with regard to providing broadband internet over theelectrical wiring, the CPE 108 and the router 110 may wirelesslycommunicate with one another. In such instances, the communicationchannel 212 may represent a wireless communication channel.Additionally, the CPE 108 and the router 110 may communicate with otherwiring of the premises 102

The first BPL interface 122 communicatively couples to the first modemmodule 126 and the second BPL interface 124 communicatively couples tothe second modem module 128. The first modem module 126 may include acorresponding module for communicating with the interface(s) 204 of thebase station radio device 106 (e.g., DSS, CBRS, G.hn, WWAN, C-band,etc.). As the first modem module 126 receives broadband data, via theantenna(s) 120, the first modem module 126 may interpret the broadbanddata. The first BPL interface 122 then transmits the broadband data tothe second BPL interface 124, whereby the second modem module 128 mayinterpret the broadband data. Therein, the second modem module 128 maybroadcast the broadband data to the consumer device(s) 112 via theantenna(s) 132 as broadband internet. As the CPE 108 receives data fromthe base station radio device 106 (via the antenna(s) 120 and the firstmodem module 126 (e.g., CBRS, DSS, WWAN, etc.), the first BPL interface122 may transmit (via the communication channel 212) the data to thesecond BPL interface 124. The second BPL interface 124 receives the dataand the second modem module 128 (e.g., 2.4 GHz and/or 5.0 GHz Wi-Fimodule) communicatively coupled to the second BPL interface 124 thenbroadcasts this data, via the antenna(s) 132, to the consumer device(s)112.

Similarly, the second modem module 128 may receive data from theconsumer device(s) 112 (via the antenna(s) 132). The second BPLinterface 124 transmits the data to the first BPL interface 122 and thefirst modem module 126 broadcasts this data to the base station radiodevice 106 via the antenna(s) 120. The communicative coupling betweenthe first BPL interface 122 and the first modem module 126, the secondBPL interface 124 and the second modem module 128, as well as the CPE's108 connection with the base station radio device 106, permits thesystem 104 to provide broadband internet over existing electrical wiringof the premises 102.

Although the first BPL interface 122 and the first modem module 126 areshown as separate components, in some instances, the first BPL interface122 and the first modem module 126 may be integrated as a singlecomponent. In some instances, the first BPL interface 122 and the firstmodem module 126 may be components of a SoC. Noted above, the firstmodem module 126 may also be modular and interchangeable depending onthe frequencies which the first modem module 126 communicates with thebase station radio device 106. Additionally, or alternatively, thesecond BPL interface 124 and the second modem module 128 may beintegrated as a single component. In some instances, the second BPLinterface 124 and the second modem module 128 may be components of aSoC. The second modem module 128 may also be modular and interchangeabledepending on the Wi-Fi or network provided to the premises 102.

In some instances, the antenna(s) 120 may be located inside, outside, oron the outside surface of a housing of the CPE 108, and/or mounted atother locations distant or proximate to the electric meter. In someinstance, the antenna(s) 120 may be configured to beam-form forachieving optimum signal strengths with the base station radio device(s)106. In some instances, the antenna(s) 120, or an antenna array, maysupport 3100 MHz to 4200 MHz dual port/polarization, include a gain of 4dBi, and may include an antenna pattern of 180 degrees azimuth −0 +70degrees vertical.

As introduced above, the CPE 108 may include, or the antenna(s) 120 mayrepresent, a multi-antenna array having antennas arranged with differentpolarizations. The antenna(s) 120 may include sub-arrays having multipleelements and each sub-array of the multi-antenna array may include twoorthogonally polarized elements. Additionally, the antenna(s) 120 mayhave a radiation pattern with a predetermined variable polarization. Insome instances, the predetermined variable polarization may be afunction of the direction of departure and arrival of signals at theantenna(s) 120. In some instances, the polarization diversity may beaccomplished, at least in part, by precoding the phase and/or amplitudeof the antenna feeds into the elements of the sub-arrays. Elements ofthe antenna array will constructively interfere if elements realize thesame polarization and relative phase. When constructive interference isundesirable (e.g., when gain flatness is desired to meet FCC radiationlimits), the relative phase of the two interfering elements may beprecoded with a 180° phase offset resulting in the replacement of theconstructive interference with destructive interference. Thus the gainpeak is replaced with a gain null in a particular pattern azimuth andelevation.

In some instances, this may be accomplished, at least in part bydetermining a geometry for a compact antenna, as well as gain andpattern objectives for the antenna array. Three-dimension simulation maybe carried out to obtain equal phase and amplitude patterns. Theselected elements may be converted to orthogonal polarization toeliminate first order pattern peaks. Therein, the phase and/or amplitudemay be adjusted for co-polarized elements to flatten the patternresponse. Additionally, the phase and/or amplitude of cross-polarizedelements may be adjusted to maximize polarization diversity.

The CPE 108 includes a power module 214 coupled to the processor(s) 208.The power module 214 may be coupled to the electric meter of thepremises 102 to supply electrical power from the electric meter to someor all components and modules of the CPE 108. The CPE 108, or a housingof the CPE 108, may be configured to attach as a meter collar to theelectric meter. Coupling the CPE 108 to the utility meter in this manneralso communicatively couples the first BPL interface 122 with the secondBPL interface 124 via the electrical wiring of the premises 102. In thissense, the power module 214 may tap into the electrical wiring of thepremises 102 for sending broadband data through the wiring of thepremises 102, for delivery to the router 110. Using this form ofcommunication allows broadband internet to penetrate the premises 102using existing wiring networks and alleviates the building penetrationproblem.

The CPE 108 may additionally include input/output (I/O) components 216coupled to the processor(s) 208. The I/O interface components 216 may beconfigured to communicate with a programming device, such as a computingdevice of the utility service, or other device loaded with appropriateapplications for programming or checking the status of the CPE 108 (orthe broadband internet). This communication may provide for testing,system upgrades, reboots, and so forth. The communication may alsoinclude data from an IoT within the premises 102 for use in load toservice determination, energy savings, system usage, and so forth. Insuch instances, a user interface (UI) may be provided for interfacingwith the CPE 108. In some instances, the I/O components 216 may comprisea connector, such as a telco connector, a USB connector, a RJ45connector, and the like, and/or an RF communication module such as aNFC, Bluetooth communication, or Wi-Fi communication module for suchcommunication.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may also include lighting element(s) 218that indicate an operational state of the CPE 108 (e.g., light emittingdiodes (LEDs)). The lighting element(s) 218 may indicate, for example, astrength of the broadband internet (e.g., Received Signal StrengthIndicator (RSSI)), a packet error rate (PER) associated with receivingbroadband data from the CPE 108 and/or the router 110, or a health ofthe connection with the base station radio device 106 (e.g., thecommunication channel 118) and/or the connection with the router 110(e.g., the communication channel 212). The lighting element(s) 218 mayadditionally or alternatively indicate power, BPL link, and may bedisposed on side of CPE 108 and/or viewable at all angles.

The computer-readable media 210 of the CPE 108 may also store electricalinformation associated with the electric meter, electrical informationof the premises 102, connectivity of the consumer device(s) 112, and thelike for reporting to a utility service. In some instances, the powermodule 214 may read the electrical information from memory of theelectric meter provider for transmitting the electrical information tothe associated service entity using the broadband internet. The CPE 108may also include a global positioning system (GPS) component and/orother locating components for determining a location of the CPE 108amongst a network or grid. Temperature sensors of the CPE 108 may alsomonitor a temperature within the CPE 108. Additionally, the CPE 108 mayinclude components for determining an orientation or angle at which theCPE 108, or the antenna(s), are disposed (e.g., gyroscope, inclinometer,etc.).

The router 110 may include one or more processor(s) 220,computer-readable media 222, and the second BPL interface 124 and thesecond modem module 128 as discussed above with regard to FIG. 1 . Insome instances, the processor(s) 220 may include a CPU and/or a GPU.Additionally, the processor(s) 220 may possess its own local memory,which also may store program modules, program data, and/or one or moreoperating systems. The processor(s) 220 may be coupled to thecomputer-readable media 222 and execute computer executable instructionsstored in the computer-readable media 222. The processor(s) 220 may alsobe coupled to modules and components of the router 110 and may performvarious functions including instructing and causing the modules andcomponents of the router 110 to perform their associated functions.

The router 110 includes a power module 224 coupled to the processor(s)220. The power module 224 may be coupled to a power supply of thepremises 102 (e.g., the electrical wiring) and receive electrical powerto power components and modules of the router 110. Coupling the router110 to the electrical wiring in this manner couples the second BPLinterface 124 with the first BPL interface 122 via electrical wiring ofthe premises 102.

In some instances, the router 110 may include input/output (I/O)components 226 coupled to the processor(s) 220. The I/O components 226may be configured to communicate with a computing device, such as acomputing device loaded with appropriate applications for programming orchecking the status of the router 110. For example, the computing devicemay be operated by a utility service providing the broadband internet tothe premises 102, and which is used for monitoring and/ortroubleshooting issues experienced by the base station radio device 106and/or the CPE 108. Discussed above, the router 110 includes theantenna(s) 132 for broadcasting the broadband internet within thepremises 102. Additionally, or alternatively, the router 110 may includeplug-ins (e.g., Ethernet) for coupling to the consumer device(s) 112.

As used herein, a processor, such as the processor(s) 200, 208, and/or220 may include multiple processors and/or a processor having multiplecores. Further, the processor(s) may comprise one or more cores ofdifferent types. For example, the processor(s) may include applicationprocessor units, graphic processing units, and so forth. In oneimplementation, the processor(s) may comprise a microcontroller and/or amicroprocessor. The processor(s) may include a graphics processing unit(GPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor or other processingunits or components known in the art. Alternatively, or in addition, thefunctionally described herein can be performed, at least in part, by oneor more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation,illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used includefield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (AS SPs),system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices(CPLDs), etc. Additionally, each of the processor(s) may possess its ownlocal memory, which also may store program components, program data,and/or one or more operating systems.

Computer-readable media, such as the computer-readable media 202, 210,and/or 222 may include volatile and nonvolatile memory, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program component, or other data. Such memory may include, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology(e.g., embedded Multi-Media Controller (eMMC), SPI NOR), CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,RAID storage systems, DDR-SDRAM or any other medium which can be used tostore the desired information and which can be accessed by a computingdevice. The memory may be implemented as computer-readable storage media(“CRSM”), which may be any available physical media accessible by theprocessor(s) to execute instructions stored on the memory. In one basicimplementation, CRSM may include random access memory (“RAM”) and Flashmemory. In other implementations, CRSM may include, but is not limitedto, read-only memory (“ROM”), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (“EEPROM”), or any other tangible medium which can beused to store the desired information and which can be accessed by theprocessor(s).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates the CPE 108 for communicatively couplingwith the base station radio device 106 and the router 110 within thepremises 102. The CPE 108 is shown including a collar 300 for couplingthe CPE 108 to an existing electric meter. However, the CPE 108 mayinclude other bodies for coupling to electrical wiring at the premises102.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may represent a fixed wireless deviceinstalled at the premises 102, within an existing electric meter panel.In such instances, the collar 300 may include components for coupling toan existing electric meter panel and receiving the electric meter.Although the collar 300 is discussed as being part of the CPE 108, orthat the collar 300 has certain components, it should be understood thatreferring to the CPE 108 may include the collar 300 and the componentsthereof. That is, the CPE 108 may include the collar 300 (as well as itscomponents) and the collar 300 may represent a portion of the CPE 108placed at or on the premises 102.

The collar 300 may include a cylindrical shaped housing or body 302. Thebody 302 extends between a first end 304 and a second end 306, oppositethe first end 304 and spaced apart in the Z-direction from the first end304. In some instances, the first end 304 may correspond to a front ofthe collar 300 and the second end 306 may correspond to a back of thecollar 300. The first end 304 is shown including an opening or annulus308 for receiving an electric meter. In some instances, the annulus 308may include a circular-shape and may be sized and configured forreceiving the electric meter. The annulus 308 provides access to aninterior 310 of the collar 300. Discussed herein, the interior 310 mayinclude components of the CPE 108 and/or features for receiving theelectric meter. For example, the interior 310 may include receptacles orslots 312 for receiving prongs of the electric meter. The slots 312 mayextend along a lengthwise direction of the body 302 (e.g., Z-direction)and may function to complete a circuit from incoming power to thebreaker box (or electrical panel) located within the premises 102. Insome instances, the slots 312 may include five slots corresponding tohot wires and neutral wire(s).

The CPE 108 includes a top portion 314 mounted atop (e.g., Y-direction)of the body 302. The top portion 314 may include a base 316 and a cover318. The base 316 may provide a platform for supporting the cover 318 oronto which the cover 318 mounts. As shown, the base 316 may includefeatures that conform to a curvature or shape of the body 302 andfeatures for receiving the cover 318. For example, one side of the base316 may be curved for accommodating the body 302 and a second side maybe planar for providing a substantially flat platform for the cover 318.

Disposed behind (i.e., beneath, underneath, etc.) the cover 318 may bethe antenna(s) 120 and components of the CPE 108, as discussed abovewith regard to FIG. 2 . The cover 318 may represent a radome forenclosing and protecting the antenna(s) 120 as well as other componentsof the CPE 108 from environmental conditions (e.g., rain, dust, debris,etc.). In some instances, the cover 318 may be manufactured frommaterials, including but not limited to, plastics, rubber-coatedair-supported fabric, and/or other materials with low radio frequencyloss characteristics.

The location of the cover 318 may increase an ease of maintenance,servicing, and/or upgrading components of the CPE 108. For example, astechnology increases and/or as vendors continue to develop higherthroughput technologies (e.g., 5G), the antenna(s) 120 and/or interfacesof the CPE 108 may be upgraded. Here, the top portion 314 may uncouplefrom the collar 300 (or the body 302). A new top portion, which mayinclude upgraded antenna(s), circuits, etc. may be disposed in place ofthe existing top portion. In such instances, locating the antenna(s)within the top portion 314, and external to the interior 310 of thecollar 300, may allow for interchangeability as new technologies areintroduced, as components fail and are in need of repair, and/or forconfiguring the CPE 108 to communicate with the base station radiodevice 106 using a certain spectrum (e.g., CBRS, C-band, etc.) and/orany other wireless technologies. In some instances, the top portion 314may have a quick disconnect feature from the body 302 for quicklyremoving the top portion 314 and/or to replace the top portion 314.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the CPE 108, including the collar 300, fromopposing ends. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates the first end 304 of thebody 302, such as the front, and FIG. 4B illustrates the second end 306of the body 302, such as the back.

Discussed above, the interior 310 may include the slots 312, such as afirst slot 400(1), a second slot 400(2), a third slot 400(3), a fourthslot 400(4), and a fifth slot 400(5). The first slot 400(1), the secondslot 400(2), the third slot 400(3), the fourth slot 400(4), and thefifth slot 400(5) may collectively be referred to herein as “the slots312.” The slots 312 serve to transfer power as supplied by a utilityservice to a breaker box within the premises 102. An electric metercouples to the slots 312 for completing a circuit such that power may besupplied to the premises 102. In some instances, the first slot 400(1)may couple to a first hot wire received from the utility service forproviding a first hot lead, the second slot 400(2) may couple to aneutral wire received from the utility service, the third slot 400(3)may operably couple to the first hot wire (or the first hot lead) forproviding power to breaker box, the fourth slot 400(4) may couple to asecond hot wire received from the utility service for providing a secondhot lead, and the fifth slot 400(5) may operably couple to the secondhot wire (or the second hot lead) for providing power to breaker box. Inother words, power may transfer through the electric meter, between thefirst slot 400(1) and the third slot 400(3), and between the fourth slot400(4) and the fifth slot 400(5). The second slot 400(2) serves toground the premises 102. In this sense, the first slot 400(1) and thefourth slot 400(2) may be on the utility side (utility service side),while the third slot 400(3) and the fifth slot 400(5) may be on thepremises side (consumer side).

The collar 300 may include a plurality of prongs for connecting toslots, or other receptacles, within the electric meter panel. Forexample, in FIG. 4B, the collar 300 is shown including five prongs, suchas a first prong 402(1), a second prong 402(2), a third prong 402(3), afourth prong 402(4), and/or a fifth prong 402(5). Collectively, thefirst prong 402(1), the second prong 402(2), the third prong 402(3), thefourth prong 402(4), and/or the fifth prong 402(5) maybe referred to as“the prongs 402.” Each of the prongs 402 may couple or be connected tocorresponding slots 312 for transferring power and/or grounding thepremises 102. For example, the first prong 402(1) may couple to thefirst slot 400(1), the second prong 402(2) may couple to the second slot400(2), the third prong 402(3) may couple to the third slot 400(3), thefourth prong 402(4) may couple to the fourth slot 400(4), and/or thefifth prong 402(5) may couple to the fifth slot 400(5). In this sense,the collar 300 may act as an extension or coupler for connecting theelectric meter to the electric meter panel.

Once the prongs 402 couple with corresponding slots of the electricmeter panel (or otherwise couple to the electric meter panel) and prongsof the electric meter couple within the slots 312 of the collar 300, thecollar 300 may be interposed between the electric meter panel and theelectric meter. Such coupling may not impact the functioning of theelectric meter and/or the power supplied to the premises 102. However,interposing the collar 300 in this matter provides power to the CPE 108and allows the CPE 108, or components thereof (e.g., the first BPLinterface 122, the first modem module 126, the power module 214, etc.)to receive power and connect to the electrical wiring of the premises102 for providing broadband internet using BPL technology.

In FIG. 4A, at least a portion of a first connector 404 is shownextending into the interior 310. The first connector 404 may couple to asecond connector of the top portion 314. The coupling between the firstconnector 404 and the second connector may communicatively couple thetop portion 314, or portions therein such as the antenna(s) 120, toother components of the CPE 108. Additionally, a coupling of the firstconnector 404 and the second connector of the top portion 314 maycommunicatively couple the CPE 108 to electrical wiring of the premises102 for providing broadband internet to the premises. For example, thefirst connector 404 may communicatively couple to the electrical wiringof the premises 102 (e.g., via coupling to the slots 312 and/or theprongs 402 (e.g., via cables, wires, etc.). Additionally, the firstconnector 404 may include prongs, receptacles, male/female connectors,etc. for providing power to the top portion 314. For example, the secondconnector of the top portion 314 may snap or fit into receptacles of thefirst connector 404 for providing power to the top portion 314,transferring data, etc. A passage of the body 302 may be disposedthrough an opening of the body 302, atop the body 302 (Y-direction), forproviding access to the first connector 404.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate side views of the CPE 108. FIG. 5Aillustrates a first side of the CPE 108 and FIG. 5B illustrates a secondside of the CPE 108. Discussed above, the first end 304 (and the annulus308) may be sized and configured (e.g., shaped) for receiving theelectric meter. Disposed around the annulus 308, or at the first end304, may be a coupler 500 (e.g., worm-gear clamp, crimping socket, hoseclamp, etc.) for securing the electric meter to and/or within the collar300. The coupler 500 may prevent the electric meter falling out of thecollar 300 or otherwise disengaging from the body 302 of the collar 300.The second end 306 may be sized and configured (e.g., shaped) for beingdisposed within an opening or receptacle of the electric meter panel. Indoing so, the prongs 402 may couple, engage, or otherwise attach toslots of the electric meter panel for receiving power.

The cover 318 is shown extending from a top of the base 316 by adistance 502. The distance 502 may be such that, when electric meterpanels are stacked, the CPEs 108 are of a form factor to reside betweenadjacent electric meters. For example, in apartment complexes, businesscomplexes, condominium complexes, or other multi-family units, electricmeters (and electric meter panels) are often placed in stackedrelationships, disposed side by side, etc. For example, in an apartmentbuilding that includes twenty units, there may be twenty power metersarranged in a four by five grid. As the electric meters are in closeproximity (e.g., stacked relationship, disposed side-by-side), the CPE108 may include a form factor that is small enough to fit within a gapdisposed between adjacent vertical meters. As part of this, and asshown, the cover 318 may extend the distance 502 from the base 316. Thedistance 502 may be less than the distance (or gap) interposed betweenadjacent electric meters. As such, the CPEs 108 s (or the collar 300)may be installed on such premises.

In some instances, a portion of the cover 318 may slant rearwards from afirst end, located proximate to the first end 304 of the body 302 to asecond end, located proximate to the second end 306 of the body 302.This slant extends backwards (Y-plane) towards the second end 306 of thebody 302 to reduce a form factor of the CPE 108. In some instances, thisbackwards slant may also correspond to an orientation of the antenna(s)120 within the CPE 108 (or behind the cover 318). For example, discussedherein, the antenna(s) 120 may be disposed at an angle or orientation toincrease a field of view to the base station radio device 106. Slantingthe antenna(s) 120 in this manner directs the antenna(s) upwards towardsthe base station radio devices 106. The slant may also reduceinterference with incoming and outgoing signals. As such, the cover 318may include a corresponding feature (e.g., slant) for the antenna(s)120.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate additional side views of the CPE 108 and thecollar 300. FIG. 6A illustrates a top of the collar 300 and FIG. 6Billustrates a bottom of the collar 300. The cover 318 may include a top600 that is spaced apart from a bottom 602. The bottom 602 may becoupled to the base 316, and the top 600 may be disposed above thebottom 602 (Y-direction). As shown, in addition to the backwards slantof the cover 318 from the first end 304 to the second end 306 of thebody 302, as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cover318 may curve along the X-direction. For example, the cover 318 mayinclude a first side 604 and a second side 606 that is spaced apart inthe X-direction from the first side 604. Between the first side 604 andthe second side 606, the cover 318 may curve, arc, or bend. In someinstances, the cover 318 may provide a wider beamwidth on both azimuthand elevation pattern, by 3-5 degrees and/or the cover 318 may provide aslightly lower gain (˜0.3 dB), which is related to wider pattern.

In FIG. 6B, the body 302 is shown including an opening 608 for providingaccess to the interior 310. In some instances, the collar 300 mayinclude a hatch for covering up or being disposed over the opening 608.In some instances, the opening 608 may be used to service components ofthe collar 300, access fittings for coupling the collar 300 to theelectric meter panel and/or the electric meter, and/or inspecting theCPE 108.

FIG. 7 illustrates the CPE 108, showing the top portion 314 astransparent or in faint lines to illustrate the antenna(s) 120 residingthere beneath. As introduced above, the antenna(s) 120 may represent amulti-antenna array for wirelessly communicating with the one or moredevices (e.g., the base station radio device 106) over one or morecommunication channels (e.g., radio frequency (RF) spectrum in themicrowave to mmWave range of spectrums).

In some instances, the antenna(s) 120 may include an array ofsub-arrays, such as a first sub-array 700(1), a second sub-array 700(2),and/or a third sub-array 700(3). In some instances, each of the firstsub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/or the thirdsub-array 700(3) may include two elements, such as a left element and aright element. In such instances, the antenna(s) 120 may include sixantennas. However, the antenna(s) 120 may include more than or less thansix antenna(s) and/or the sub-arrays may include more than two elements.

In some instances, the first sub-array 700(1), the second sub-array700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) may represent two port patchantennas having a low profile and which can be mounted on a flatsurface. The first sub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/orthe third sub-array 700(3) may include two orthogonal elements, such asa slant left element and a slant right element by feed points on thepatch antenna. The slant left element and the slant right element of thefirst sub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/or the thirdsub-array 700(3), respectively, may be independently driven (e.g., phaseand amplitude). Additionally, the first sub-array 700(1), the secondsub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) may includedifferent orthogonally polarized elements. For example, the firstsub-array 700(1) may include a vertical polarization element and ahorizontal polarization element. Additionally, in some instances, thefirst sub-array 700(1) may include a right hand circular polarizationelement and a left hand circular polarization element. By extension, thefirst sub-array 700(1) may be implemented with any orthogonal pair ofelements, and each element may include a dedicated feed port. The secondsub-array 700(2) and the third sub-array 700(3) may include differentlypolarized elements as well.

In some instances, the diversity of polarizations across the firstsub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and the third sub-array700(3) may increase communications with the one or more devices whentransmitting and receiving data. That is, polarization diversity mayallow properly equipped transceivers to implement polarization dependentloss (PDL) mitigation and adaptive interference mitigation based onpolarization mode dispersion (PMD) processing. Additionally, thedirection of transmission and/or the direction of arrival of signals(e.g., to and from the base station radio devices 106) may be modifiedthrough adjusting the phase and/or amplitude of the dedicated feeds forthe elements of the sub-arrays. In such instances, the radiation patternof the antenna(s) 120 may be adjusted and configured according topredetermined variable polarizations. In some instances, the variablepolarization may be determined as a function of the direction ofdeparture/arrival in the array pattern of the first sub-array 700(1),the second sub-array 700(2), and the third sub-array 700(3).

The antenna(s) 120 are shown being coupled to or mounted on a structure702. The structure 702 may follow a curvature of at least a portion ofthe cover 318. Additionally, as discussed herein, the structure 702 mayorient the antenna(s) 120 upwards for increasing a line of sight withthe base station radio devices 106. Additional details of the structure702 are discussed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates details of the antenna(s) 120 of the CPE 108. Asdiscussed above, the antenna(s) 120 may include the first sub-array700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and the third sub-array 700(3). Insome instances, the first sub-array 700(1) may be mounted to thestructure 702 and oriented in a first direction (e.g., leftward facingfrom center), the second sub-array 700(2) may be mounted to thestructure 702 and oriented in a second direction (e.g., forward facingfrom center), and the third sub-array 700(3) may be mounted to thestructure 702 and oriented in a third direction (e.g., rightward facingfrom center). Additionally, as shown, the first sub-array 700(1), thesecond sub-array 700(2), and the third sub-array 700(3) may be tiltedupwards. In some instances, the structure 702 may orient the firstsub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/or the thirdsub-array 700(3) between 60 and 70 degrees upward, or relative to ahorizontal plane. In some instances, the first sub-array 700(1), thesecond sub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) may be offsetfrom surfaces of the structure 702 to reduce interferences caused bymaterials of the structure 702.

The mounting, angles, and orientation of the first sub-array 700(1), thesecond sub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) may increasea line of sight and/or radiation pattern of the CPE 108 (or of theantenna(s) 120). For example, when the CPE 108 communicates with otherdevices (e.g., the base station radio devices 106), the upward tilt andhorizontal field of view may increase the signal strength. Moreover, thefirst sub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/or the thirdsub-array 700(3) may include different polarizations. In such instances,the receivers of the communicating devices, such as the antenna(s) 206of the base station radio devices 106) may receive stronger signalstrengths from the CPE 108 and be capable of receiving signals withvarying polarizations.

The antenna(s) 120 may be arranged to maximize the polarizationdiversity across the radiation pattern of the CPE 108. For example, byselecting specific polarization feeds on the first sub-array 700(1), thesecond sub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3), andprecoding (predetermining) the phase and or amplitude of those feeds, aradiation pattern may be implemented with a predetermined variablepolarization. In some instances, the predetermined variable polarizationmay be a function of the direction of departure and arrival in the CPE108. That is, the antenna(s) 120 may include a predeterminedpolarization and/or azimuth direction using elements of the firstsub-array 700(1), the second sub-array 700(2), and/or the thirdsub-array 700(3) with different polarizations, along with differentialcomposite phase and amplitude in the feed network.

Additionally, or alternatively, by selection of specific polarizationsand precoding the phase and amplitude of those feeds, a flat total powerbeamwidth with a gain variation of less than 3 dB may be implemented. Insome instances, the antenna(s) 120 may have dual orthogonalpolarization, port to port isolation greater than 18 db, and gain over a3 dB pattern targeted at 4 dBi (Vertical: +70° −0°; Horizontal:±90°.

Although the antenna(s) 120 are shown being substantially square inshape and/or of a certain size, other shapes and/or sizes areenvisioned. By way of example, the antenna(s) 120 may be circular,rectangular, and/or hexagonal.

FIG. 9 illustrates a transparent view of the CPE 108, showing the topportion 314 disposed above the collar 300 and the first connector withinthe collar 300.

The top portion is shown including a second connector 900 that engageswith the first connector 404. For example, prongs 902 of the secondconnector 900 may engage within receptacles or slots of the firstconnector 404. This may allow the top portion 314 to be interchangeablefor different communication technologies, for repair, and so forth. Insome instances, the first connector 404 and the second connector 900 mayresemble a quick disconnect feature between the top portion 314 and thecollar 300, or components thereof. The coupling between the firstconnector 404 and the second connector 900 may be snap-fit or pressurefit and may couple computing components within the top portion 314 andcomputing components within the collar 300. The connection between thefirst connector 404 and the second connector 900 may supply power to thetop portion 314, transfer data (e.g., broadband internet) between thetop portion and the collar 300 (and ultimately into the premises 102),and so forth.

FIG. 10 illustrates the top portion 314 of the CPE 108, showing thecover 318 removed to illustrate components of the CPE 108 disposedbeneath the cover 318. In FIG. 10 , the antenna(s) 120 and the collar300 are also shown being removed.

The CPE 108 is further shown including a printed circuit board (PCB)1000 (or integrated circuit board) to which components of the CPE 108couple or communicatively couple. For example, the PCB 1000 may housethe first BPL interface 122, the first modem module 126, and so forth.The PCB 1000, in some instances, may additionally include processor(s),memory, and so forth. In some instances, the top portion 314 may includebatteries for supplying power to components disposed in the top portion314.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may include a first PCB including thefirst BPL interface 122 disposed within the collar 300, and a second PCBincluding the first modem module 126 disposed within the top portion314. This may allow the top portion 314 to be displaced from the collar300. Additionally, locating the antenna(s) 120 and the first modemmodule 126 external to the collar 300, or within the top portion 314,allows the top portion 314 to be quickly replaced and/or upgraded. Forexample, as new technologies are introduced and new antenna(s) 120become available, the top portion 314 may be replaced without removingthe collar 300 from the meter collar. Additionally, if components of thetop portion 314 fail or break, the top portion 314 may be repairedwithout removing the collar 300 from the meter collar.

The modularity of the CPE 108 may be provided, in part, by the firstconnector 404 (not shown in FIG. 10 ) and the second connector 900. Forexample, the first connector 404 and the second connector 900 mayresemble a quick disconnect feature that allows the top portion 314 tobe separated from the collar 300. The first connector 404 and the secondconnector 900 may include corresponding male and female slots, prongs,etc. for communicatively coupling computing components within the topportion 314 with those within the collar 300. For example, an engagementbetween the first connector 404 and the second connector 1100 mayprovide power to the top portion 314, communicatively couple the topportion 314 with the electrical wiring of the premises 102, and soforth.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the top portion 314, showing the cover318 removed to illustrate the antenna(s) 120 and the PCB 1000. In someinstances, and as shown, the PCB 1000 may mount behind (Z-direction) thestructure 702 (and the antenna(s) 120) and extend in a verticaldirection Y-direction.

The structure 702 is shown including a curved trajectory, between thefirst side 604 and the second side 606. The first sub-array 700(1), thesecond sub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) couple to thestructure 702 for disposing the first sub-array 700(1), the secondsub-array 700(2), and/or the third sub-array 700(3) across a surface ofthe structure 702.

FIG. 12 illustrates a different embodiment of antenna(s) 120 of the CPE108. In some instances, rather than the CPE 108 including the firstsub-array 1200(1), the second sub-array 1200(2), and the third sub-array1200(3), the antenna(s) 120 may include two sub-arrays, as illustratedin FIG. 12 . For example, the CPE 108 may include a first sub-array1200(1) and a second sub-array 1200(2).

The first sub-array 1200(1) and the second sub-array 1200(2) are shownbeing coupled to or mounted on a frame 1202. In some instances, theframe 1202 couples to the base 316. The frame 1202 may include a firstmounting surface and a second mounting surface for receiving the firstsub-array 1200(1) the second sub-array 1200(2), respectively. In someinstances, the first mounting surface and the second mounting surfacemay be angled apart from one another to increase a field of view of thefirst sub-array 1200(1) and the second sub-array 1200(2). For example,the frame 1202 may include a V-shape.

In some instances, the first mounting surface may be angled relative tothe Z-plane, or relative to the second mounting surface. In someinstances, the first mounting surface may be angled by 45 degrees.Similarly, the second mounting surface may be angled relative to theZ-plane, which may be equal to or substantially equal to 45 degrees. Assuch, in some instances, the first mounting surface and the secondmounting surface may be angled apart from one another by substantially90 degrees. The angling or orientation of the first sub-array 1200(1)and the second sub-array 1200(2) with respect to the Z-plane may providea collective horizontal field of view of approximately between 160degrees and 180 degrees.

Furthermore, the frame 1202 may be angled backwards. In some instances,the frame 1202 may be angled backwards by substantially 30 degrees. Thefirst sub-array 1200(1) and the second sub-array 1200(2) may thereforebe angled between 60 degrees and 70 degrees upward, or relative to ahorizontal plane. Angling the first sub-array 1200(1) and the secondsub-array 1200(2) in this manner may increase a line of sight betweenthe CPE 108 and base station radio device 106. Moreover, the radiationpattern of the antenna(s) 120 may be adjusted and configured accordingto predetermined variable polarizations. In some instances, the variablepolarization may be determined as a function of the direction ofdeparture/arrival in the array pattern of the first sub-array 1200(1)and the second sub-array 700(2).

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate customer premises device (CPE) 1300that includes a top portion 1302 positionable relative to a collar 1304.In some instances, the CPE 1300 may be similar to and include similarcomponents as the CPE 108, and/or the collar 1304 may include similarcomponents as the collar 300. However, as shown in FIG. 13 , the topportion 1302 may be designed and configured to extend from the collar1304 (or a body thereof).

For example, depending on the location of the electric meter (or theelectric meter panel) of the premises 102, the wireless communicationbetween the CPE 1300 and the base station radio device 106 may not beideal. By way of example, the premises 102 may be located behind ataller building relative to the location of base station radio device106, or the electric meter may be located at the back of the premises102 relative to the location of the base station radio device 106.Additionally, in some instances, not all powerline structures mayinclude a base station radio device 106. Under such situations, thecommunication path may be obstructed (e.g., taller building). Thesefactors may cause additional path loss between the base station radiodevice 106 and the CPE 1300. Consequently, the CPE 1300 may have areduced signal strength with the base station radio device 106.

To address these situations, the CPE 1300 or the collar 1304 may includecomponents for extending the top portion 1302 at various positions fromthe collar 1304. For example, the top portion 1302 (which includesantenna(s) for communicating with the base station radio device 106) maybe disposed from the collar 1304 and placed at various locations around,on, or about the exterior of the premises 102. In such instances, theCPE 1300 may be located at more desirable places on the premises 102(e.g., rooftop) to achieve a closer line-of-sight communication pathwith the base station radio device 106.

In some instances, the optimum placement for the top portion 1302 may bedetermined based on expected ranges of maximum achievable throughputcalculated sides of the premises 102. For example, instruments maycalculate or determine the relative signal strength around the premises102. Based on the highest signal strength, the top portion 1302 may beinstalled at a corresponding location. In some instances, an installerof the CPE 1300 (or the top portion 1302) may utilize these instrumentsduring an installation process, and once finding the optimal location,may use these parameters to install the CPE 1300 and/or the top portion1302 (or the antenna(s)) at respective locations.

In some instances, the top portion 1302 may be tethered and/or wired tothe collar 1304 for transmitting and receiving data (or signals). Forexample, in some instances, the top portion 1302 and/or the collar 1304may include a recoil, or spool, for leashing the top portion 1302 tovarious lengths. As illustrated, the top portion 1302 and the collar1304 may communicatively couple via one or more wires 1306 that areconfigured to extend at various lengths from the collar 1304. Thesewires 1306 may be spooled within the collar 1304 and/or the top portion1302. The wires 1306 may also provide power to the top portion 1302, andcomponents thereof, such as PCBs, lighting element(s), antenna(s), etc.

Although FIG. 13 illustrates certain components being disposed from thecollar 1304, other embodiments are envisioned. For example, only theantenna(s) may be disposed from the collar 1304, and the PCBs and/orlighting element(s) may remain on the collar 1304 (e.g., not within thetop portion 1302). In these instances, the components that are disposedfrom the collar 1304 may be varied. In some instances, the top portion1302 may include a PCB including the first modem module 136, while thecollar 1304 may include a PCB including the first BPL interface 122.This may allow the first modem module 136 (and the top portion 1302) tobe disposed from the collar 1304. In such instances, the top portion1302 and the collar 1304 may be coupled via an Ethernet cable (e.g.,PoE).

In some instances, the top portion 1302 (or components thereof) may bepowered via batteries and/or power transmitted through the wires 1306(from the collar 1004). Additionally, or alternatively, the top portion1302 maybe powered via power over ethernet (PoE). In such instances, thewires 1306 may correspond to and/or include ethernet cables forcommunicatively coupling the top portion 1302 and the collar 1304.Still, in some instances, components within the top portion 1302 may bepowered via solar energy.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the CPE 108, including the collar 300,coupled to an electric meter panel 1400 and an electric meter 1402.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may be installed to the electric meterpanel 1400 during an installation process. For example, after removingcouplings (e.g., clamps, screws, sockets, etc.) from the electric meter1402, the electric meter 1402 may be pulled in a slightly downwarddirection (Y-direction) to remove the electric meter 1402 from theelectric meter panel 1400. Removing the electric meter 1402 exposesslots of the electric meter panel 1400 (e.g., the slots 312), thatreceive prongs of the electric meter 1402. Therein, the CPE 108 may becoupled to the electric meter panel 1400. For example, as discussedabove, the CPE 108 may include prongs (e.g., the prongs 402) that arereceived within the slots of the electric meter panel 1400.Additionally, an end of collar 300 may fit within and/or reside withinthe electric meter panel 1400. Thereafter, the collar 300 may be securedto the electric meter panel 1400 to provide a water-tight seal.

The CPE 108 may couple to the wiring of the premises 102 via the collar300 coupling to the electric meter panel 1400. Finally, the electricmeter 1402 may be re-installed at the premises 102. For example, afterthe CPE 108 is coupled to the electric meter panel 1400, the electricmeter 1402 may couple to the collar 300. The collar 300 may includeslots (e.g., the slots 312) for receiving prongs of the electric meter1402. This coupling may complete a circuit to supply power to thepremises 102 (after power is restored). In this manner, the collar 300may act as an extension, interposed between the electric meter panel1400 and the electric meter 1402 to power the CPE 108, tap into theelectrical wiring of the premises 102, and to enable coupling of theelectric meter 1402 to the electric meter panel 1400.

In turn, after installation, the CPE 108 may perform the operationsdescribed hereinabove for communicating with the base station radiodevice 106 and the router 110 to provide broadband internet to thepremises 102. For example, after the CPE 108 is installed, the consumermay plug in the router 110 to start receiving broadband internet. Thisprocess may involve a handshake or pairing operation. Additionally, insome instances, after the CPE 108 is installed, the CPE 108 mayautomatically connect to cloud software and/or services and provisionedwith the appropriate broadband service selected by the consumer. Suchcoupling also allows the SPN 116 to communicate directly with CPE 108 todiagnose issues and/or monitor a status of the CPE 108.

Turning back to the illustrations shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the CPE108 may be positioned or interposed between the electric meter panel1400 and the electric meter 1402, with the collar 300 acting as anextension. In this sense, the collar 300 may dispose the electric meter1402 at a farther distance away from the premises 102 (e.g., side of ahouse). With this design, the CPE 108 significantly reduces theinstallation cost and also solves the building penetration problem bytapping into the electrical wiring of the premises 102. This allows forthe CPE 108 to seamlessly integrate with electric utilities that offer,or wish to offer, broadband internet to consumers. In some instances,the CPE 108 may be installed in minutes by simply plugging into theelectric power service entrance to the building.

The CPE 108 is installed to provide a weathertight seal between theelectric meter panel 1400 and the electric meter 1402. Installing theCPE 108 on an exterior side of the premises 102 reduces an installationtime, as the SPN 116 may not have to access an interior of the premises102. This may also make installation less burdensome for the SPN 116and/or the premises owner.

As also discussed above, the distance 502 permits the top 600 of thecover 318 to be disposed beneath (Y-direction) a top 1404 of theelectric meter panel 900. This permits the CPE 108 to be installed onelectric meters that are in close proximity to one another, such as inapartment complexes or multi-family units.

FIGS. 15-20 illustrate various embodiments of antenna(s) that may beimplemented within the CPE 108, or other customer premises devices. Insome embodiments, the antenna(s) illustrated herein may representtransceiver systems that are capable of transmitting and receiving data.For example, the antenna(s) may transmit and receive data from the basestation radio device 106. In such instances, the antenna(s) may includemultiple sub-arrays, a feed network, and a radio modem. It is to beunderstood that the antenna(s) discussed herein may be implementedwithin the CPE 108 as the antenna(s) 120. Additionally, the modemsdiscussed herein may be representative of the first modem module 126.

FIG. 15 illustrates a transceiver system 1500 having multiplesub-arrays. For example, the transceiver system 1500 may include a firstsub-array 1502, a second sub-array 1504, and a third sub-array 1506. Insome instances, the first sub-array 1502, the second sub-array 1504,and/or the third sub-array 1506 may include multiple elements that aredual polarized. In some instances, the first sub-array 1502, the secondsub-array 1504, and/or the third sub-array 1506 may be dual polarizedpatch antennas.

The first sub-array 1502 is shown including a first element 1502(1) anda second element 1502(2), the second sub-array 1504 is shown including afirst element 1504(1) and a second element 1504(2), and the thirdsub-array 1506 is shown including a first element 1506(1) and a secondelement 1506(2). The first element 1502(1) of the first sub-array 1502may represent a left antenna and the second element 1502(2) of the firstsub-array 1502 may represent a right antenna. The first element 1502(1)and the second element 1502(2) may include different polarizations ormay be polarized differently than one another. For example, in someinstances, the first element 1502(1) and the second element 1502(2) maybe orthogonally polarized.

The first element 1504(1) of the second sub-array 1504 may represent aleft antenna and the second element 1504(2) of the second sub-array 1504may represent a right antenna. The first element 1504(1) and the secondelement 1504(2) may include different polarizations and may beorthogonally polarized. The first element 1506(1) of the third sub-array1506 may represent a left antenna and the second element 1506(2) of thethird sub-array 1506 may represent a right antenna. The first element1506(1) and the second element 1506(2) may include differentpolarizations and may be orthogonally polarized.

The transceiver system 1500 may have dedicated feed ports fortransmitting and receiving via the first sub-array 1502, the secondsub-array 1504, and the third sub-array 1506. For example, thetransceiver system 1500 is shown including a modem 1508 having a firstport 1510, a second port 1512, a third port 1514, and a fourth port1516. In some instances, the first port 1510 may represent atransmission and receiving port, while the second port 1512, the thirdport 1514, and/or the fourth port 1516 may represent receiving ports.

Conventional antenna designs dictate an antenna feed design that feedsonly a single co-polarized set of sub-array elements. That is, aco-polarized element is chosen from each sub-array to be driven by thedistributed power of a transmission/receiver port. This co-polarizationis suboptimal in modern MIMO wireless links given the frequencydependent fading and polarization mode dispersion introduced in NLOScommunication. That is, co-polarization elements are the same (e.g.,vertical to vertical, horizontal to horizontal, right hand circular toright hand circular, etc.). In such instances, given the scattering inNLOS communication, the signals may become cross-polarized, leading toPDL, insufficient signal levels at the base station radio device 106,and/or loss of communication. However, comparatively, the transceiversystem 1500 may include a single transmission/receiving port, such asthe first port 1510, but may split transmission signals amongstelement(s) for generating variable polarized signals. This variation mayimprove signal levels and restore communications.

To elaborate, and as shown, the transceiver system 1500 may include apower splitter and combiner 1518 to drive the elements of the firstsub-array 1502, the second sub-array 1504, and the third sub-array 1506.In some instances, the power splitter and combiner 1518 may unequallysplit and combine power to adjust the relative magnitude of each elementin the transceiver system 1500. For example, the power splitter andcombiner 1518 may split signals to the first element 1502(1) of thefirst sub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2) of the second sub-array1504, and the first element 1506(1) of the third sub-array 1506.Additionally, signals received via the first element 1502(1) of thefirst sub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2) of the second sub-array1504, and the first element 1506(1) of the third sub-array 1506 may becombined via the power splitter and combiner 1518.

During transmission, the splitting of the signals may drive thepolarizations of each element of the sub-arrays. In some instances, thedifferent polarizations of the first element 1502(1) of the firstsub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2) of the second sub-array 1504,and the first element 1506(1) of the third sub-array 1506 may maximizethe polarization diversity across the radiation pattern of thetransceiver system 1500. Moreover, given the orientation of the firstelement 1502(1) of the first sub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2)of the second sub-array 1504, and the first element 1506(1) of the thirdsub-array 1506, transmitted signals may be sent in multiple directions.

The signals transmitted by the first element 1502(1) of the firstsub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2) of the second sub-array 1504,and the first element 1506(1) of the third sub-array 1506 may havepredetermined phases and/or amplitudes for steering transmitted beams.The predetermined phases and/or amplitudes may generate variablepolarizations for receipt by the base station radio device 106. That is,the base station radio device 106 may be configured to receive vertical,horizontal, circular, and/or elliptical polarizations, for example. Assuch, the polarizations of first element 1502(1), the second element1504(2), and the first element 1506(1) may generate variouspolarizations through constructive interference. The diversity ofpolarizations generated by the transceiver system 1500 may increase thesignal strength of received signals. That is, by selecting specificpolarization feeds on the first element 1502(1), the second element1504(2), and the first element 1506(1), and precoding the phase and oramplitude of those feeds, a radiation pattern may be emitted with apredetermined variable polarization. This predetermined variablepolarization may be determined as a function of the direction oftransmission and arrival in the transceiver system 1500. The transceiversystem 1500 may provide a continuous distribution of polarizations fromlinear to elliptical to circular, and then back to elliptical andlinear.

The polarization diversity may increase transmission with computingdevices. The destructive and/or constructive interference between thefirst element 1502(1) of the first sub-array 1502, the second element1504(2) of the second sub-array 1504, and the first element 1506(1) ofthe third sub-array 1506 may generate linear, circular, and ellipticalpolarizations. This variance in polarizations permits receivers toreceive the signals, across the array of polarizations. In suchinstances, and given NLOS communications, if one particular polarizationlacks sufficient signal to noise ratio and/or insufficient signal abovethe receiver's sensitivity, the base station radio device 106 mayreceive signals having the different polarizations. Additionally, bysplitting the transmitted signals, the energy of the transmitted signalsmay remain under a certain threshold governed by FCC regulations. Forexample, the polarizations of the elements, the phases of transmittedsignals, and/or the amplitudes of the transmitted signals may be alteredto obtain destructive interference.

With the sub-arrays of the transceiver system 1500, the phases and/ormagnitudes of the elements may be adjusted to steer the beam pattern ofthe transceiver system 1500 and/or adjust the beamwidth. Such modulationand adjustment may allow the transceiver system 1500 to communicate withthe base station radio device 106. For example, different phases and/oramplitudes may be imparted to the signals transmitted via the firstelement 1502(1) of the first sub-array 1502, the second element 1504(2)of the second sub-array 1504, and the first element 1506(1) of the thirdsub-array 1506 to steer beams in a particular direction (e.g.,constructive interference).

The second element 1502(2) of the first sub-array 1502 is shown coupledto the second port 1512, the first element 1504(1) of the secondsub-array 1504 is shown coupled to the third port 1514, and the secondelement 1506(2) of the third sub-array 1506 is shown coupled to thethird port 1514. In some instances, the transceiver system 1500 mayinclude more than one receiving ports and/or more than threetransmitting/receiving ports. The dedicated receiving ports of the modemare coupled to a diversity of receive polarizations and azimuthal gainpatterns. This spatial and polarization diversity will enhance theperformance of MIMO signal processing from the base station 106 and theCPE 108 improving spectral efficiency (e.g. higher throughput). Inaddition this antenna provides for polarimetric processing to eliminatePDL and exploit PMD processing for interference rejection

FIG. 16 illustrates a transceiver system 1600. In some instances, thetransceiver system 1600 may be similar to the transceiver system 1600.For example, the transceiver system 1600 may include a first sub-array1602, a second sub-array 1604, and a third sub-array 1606. In someinstances, the first sub-array 1602, the second sub-array 1604, and/orthe third sub-array 1606 may include multiple elements that are dualpolarized. In some instances, the first sub-array 1602, the secondsub-array 1604, and/or the third sub-array 1606 may be dual polarizedpatch antennas. The first sub-array 1602 is includes a first element1602(1) and a second element 1602(2), the second sub-array 1604 includesa first element 1604(1) and a second element 1604(2), and the thirdsub-array 1606 includes a first element 1606(1) and a second element1606(2).

The transceiver system 1600 may have dedicated feed ports fortransmitting and receiving via the first sub-array 1602, the secondsub-array 1604, and the third sub-array 1606. For example, thetransceiver system 1600 is shown including a modem 1608 having a firstport 1610, a second port 1612, a third port 1614, and a fourth port1616. In some instances, the first port 1610 may represent atransmission and receiving port, while the second port 1612, the thirdport 1614, and/or the fourth port 1616 may represent receiving ports. Asshown, the transceiver system 1600 may include a power splitter andcombiner 1618 to drive the elements of the first sub-array 1602, thesecond sub-array 1604, and the third sub-array 1606. In some instances,the power splitter and combiner 1618 may unequally split and combinepower to adjust the relative magnitude of element(s) in the transceiversystem 1600.

The first element 1602(1) and the second element 1602(2), the firstelement 1604(1) and the second element 1604(2), and the first element1606(1) and the second element 1606(2) may be polarized differently thanone another (e.g., orthogonally polarized). Compared to the transceiversystem 1500, the transceiver system 1600 may have horizontal andvertical polarizations. For example, the first element 1602(1), thefirst element 1604(1), and the first element 1606(1) may have horizontalpolarization. The second element 1602(2), the second element 1604(2),and the second element 1606(2) may have vertical polarizations. Thediversity of polarizations generated by the transceiver system 1600 mayincrease the signal strength of received signals. This predeterminedvariable polarization may be determined as a function of the directionof transmission and arrival in the transceiver system 1600.

Additionally, some of the elements of the sub-arrays may have 90 degreeand 180 degree phase offsets. For example, the second element 1604(2)may have a 90 degree phase offset and the first element 1606(1) may havea 180 degree phase offset. In some instances, the phase offsets mayobtain destructive interference, may steer the beam pattern of thetransceiver system 1600, and/or adjust the beamwidth. For example, the90 degree phase offset and the 180 degree phase offset may steer beamsin a particular direction (e.g., constructive interference). Moreover,phase shifting may create polarization diversity for receiving devices,such as the base station radio device 106. In some instances, thehorizontal and vertical polarizations of the first sub-array 1602, thesecond sub-array 1604, and the third sub-array 1606, as well as thephase shifts of the second element 1604(2) and the first element1606(1), may generate various polarizations through constructiveinterference. By precoding the phases of the second element 1604(2) andthe first element 1606(1), a radiation pattern may be emitted with apredetermined variable polarization.

FIG. 17 illustrates a transceiver system 1700. In some instances, thetransceiver system 1700 may be similar to the transceiver system 1500and/or the transceiver system 1600. For example, the transceiver system1700 may include a first sub-array 1702, a second sub-array 1704, and athird sub-array 1706. The first sub-array 1702, the second sub-array1704, and/or the third sub-array 1706 may include multiple elements thatare dual polarized. The first sub-array 1702 includes a first element1702(1) and a second element 1702(2), the second sub-array 1704 includesa first element 1704(1) and a second element 1704(2), and the thirdsub-array 1706 includes a first element 1706(1) and a second element1706(2).

The transceiver system 1700 may have dedicated feed ports fortransmitting and receiving via the first sub-array 1702, the secondsub-array 1704, and the third sub-array 1706. For example, thetransceiver system 1700 is shown including a modem 1708 having a firstport 1710, a second port 1712, a third port 1714, and a fourth port1716. The first port 1710 may represent a transmission and receivingport, while the second port 1712, the third port 1714, and/or the fourthport 1716 may represent receiving ports. The transceiver system 1700 mayinclude a power splitter and combiner 1718 to drive the elements of thefirst sub-array 1702, the second sub-array 1704, and the third sub-array1706. In some instances, the power splitter and combiner 1518 mayunequally split and combine power to adjust the relative magnitude ofeach element in the transceiver system 1700.

Compared to the transceiver system 1600, the transceiver system 1700 mayhave different predetermined phase shifts. For example, the secondelement 1704(2) may have a 90 degree phase shift. This may result in thetransmission of circularly polarized signals (via interaction amongstthe elements within the sub-array) and permit the receivers (e.g., theport second 1712, the third port 1714, and the fourth port 1716) of thetransceiver system 1600 to receive circularly polarized signals. In someinstances, the overlapping regions between the elements may result incircular polarization (or near circular polarization). In someinstances, the phase offsets may obtain destructive interference, maysteer the beam pattern of the transceiver system 1700, and/or adjust thebeamwidth. Moreover, phase shifting may create polarization diversityfor receiving devices, such as the base station radio device 106.

In some instances, the first element 1702(1) and the first element1706(1) may be driven with equal phase while the second element 1704(2)may be driven with a composite 90 degree phase shift. That is, thecomposite 90 degree phase shift may represent the sum of the phaserealized in the transceiver system 1700 and the time of flight phasedelay due to the separation of the sub-arrays. In this instance,measuring the polarization on the far left of the transceiver system1600, a vertical polarization is realized (via the first element 1702(1)of the first sub-array 1702). As the measurement position moves fromleft to right, around the transceiver system 1500 (i.e., from the firstsub-array 1704 to the third sub-array 1706), the polarization variesfrom the initial polarization through elliptical to a circularpolarization. This changing in polarization is formed by selecting anorthogonal polarization for second element 1704(2) of the secondsub-array 1704. Therein, the polarization returns to the ellipticalpolarization and then to orthogonal vertical polarization as a result ofthe first element 1706(1) of the third sub-array 1706. As such, thetransceiver system 1700 may create a variable polarization over itsbeamwidth.

FIG. 18 illustrates a transceiver system 1800 including a firstsub-array 1802 and a second sub-array 1804. In some instances, the firstsub-array 1802 and the second sub-array 1804 may include multipleelements that are dual polarized. For example, in some instances, thefirst sub-array 1802 and the second sub-array 1804 may be dual polarizedpatch antennas or cross polarized dipole antennas. Although the CPE 108discussed above includes three antenna(s), or three sub-arrays, thetransceiver system 1800 may be embodied within the CPE 108 (as discussedwith regard to FIG. 12 ). In such instances, the structure may includedifferent features and/or shapes for receiving the first sub-array 1802and the second sub-array 1804 (e.g., a V-shaped structure). As such, theCPE 108 may be configurable to receive less than three antennas orsub-arrays.

The first sub-array 1802 is shown including a first element 1802(1) anda second element 1802(2), and the second sub-array 1804 is shownincluding a first element 1804(1) and a second element 1804(2). In someinstances, the first element 1804(1) and the second element 1804(2) maybe orthogonally polarized. Additionally, or alternatively, the firstelement 1804(1) and the second element 1804(2) may be orthogonallypolarized.

The transceiver system 1800 may have dedicated feed ports fortransmitting and receiving via the first sub-array 1802 and the secondsub-array 1804. For example, the transceiver system 1800 is shownincluding a modem 1806 including a first port 1808 and a second port1810. In some instances, the first port 1808 may represent atransmission and receiving port, while the second port 1810 mayrepresent a receiving port. As shown, the transceiver system 1800 mayinclude power splitter/combiners, such as a first power splitter andcombiner 1812 and a second power splitter and combiner 1814. The firstpower splitter and combiner 1812 may drive the elements of the firstsub-array 1802 and/or the second sub-array 1804. The second powersplitter and combiner 1814 may drive the elements of the first sub-array1802 and the second sub-array 1804. In some instances, the first powersplitter and combiner 1812 and/or the second power splitter and combiner1814 may unequally split and combine signals to adjust the relativemagnitude of each element, or sub-array, in the transceiver system 1800.For example, the first port 1808 may split transmission signals via thefirst power splitter and combiner 1812 to the first element 1802(1) ofthe first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the secondsub-array 1804. Signals received via the first element 1802(1) of thefirst sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the secondsub-array 1804 may be combined via the first power splitter and combiner1812. Similarly, signals received via the second element 1802(2) of thefirst sub-array 1802 and the first element 1804(1) of the secondsub-array 1804 may be combined via the second power splitter andcombiner 1814.

During transmission, the splitting of the signals via the first powersplitter and combiner 1812 may drive the polarizations of each element.In some instances, the different polarizations of the first element1802(1) of the first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) ofthe second sub-array 1804 may maximize the polarization diversity acrossthe radiation pattern of the transceiver system 1800. As such, thetransceiver system 1800 may create a variable polarization over itsbeamwidth. Moreover, given the orientation of the first element 1802(1)of the first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the secondsub-array 1804 (e.g., leftward facing, rightward facing, etc.),transmissions may be sent in multiple directions.

The signals transmitted by the first element 1802(1) of the firstsub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the second sub-array1804 may have predetermined phases and/or amplitudes for steeringtransmitted beams. For example, because the elements of the firstsub-array 1802 and the second sub-array 1804 have dedicated feed ports,their phase and/or magnitudes may be individually controlled forachieving polarization diversity. Moreover, the predetermined phasesand/or amplitudes may generate variable polarizations for receipt byreceivers of other devices (e.g., the base station radio device 106). Inother words, the antenna(s) of the base station radio device 106 may beconfigured to receive vertical, horizontal, circular, and/or ellipticalpolarizations, for example, emitted by the first sub-array 1802 and thesecond sub-array 1804. As such, the polarizations of the first element1802(1) of the first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) ofthe second sub-array 1804 may generate various polarizations throughconstructive interference.

The diversity of polarizations generated by the transceiver system 1800may increase the signal strength of received signals. That is, byselecting specific polarization feeds on the first element 1802(1) ofthe first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the secondsub-array 1804, and precoding the phase and or amplitude of those feeds,a radiation pattern may be emitted with a predetermined variablepolarization. This predetermined variable polarization may be determinedas a function of the direction of transmission and arrival in thetransceiver system 1800. For example, by phase shifting and/or adjustingthe amplitude of the outgoing signals of the first element 1802(1) ofthe first sub-array 1802 and the second element 1804(2) of the secondsub-array 1804, the direction of transmissions may be adjusted.Similarly, receiving signals may be phase shifted.

Although a particular embodiment of the transceiver system 1800 isshown, more than two dual-polarized elements (i.e., the first sub-array1802 and the second sub-array 1804) may be implemented within thetransceiver system 1800. For example, the transceiver system 1800 mayinclude four dual-polarized sub-arrays that are arranged to form apattern beamwidth that exceeds the radiation pattern of the individualwidths of the individual sub-arrays. In such instances, the foursub-arrays may include two orthogonally polarized elements, and eachelement of the sub-array may have a dedicated antenna feed port.

The transceiver system 1800 may be mounted to a structure that supportsand orients the first sub-array 1802 and the second sub-array 1804. Forexample, the mounting of the first sub-array 1802 and the secondsub-array 1804 may provide the transceiver system 1800 with a pattern inazimuth and elevation directions that is greater than the pattern of thefirst sub-array 1802 and the second sub-array 1804. That is, theindividual beam patterns of the first sub-array 1802 and the secondsub-array 1804 may constructively interfere with one another to increasea beam pattern of the transceiver system 1800. For example,individually, the first sub-array 1802 and/or the second sub-array 1804may exhibit a 70 degree pattern in both azimuth and elevationdirections. However, through constructive interference the transceiversystem 1800 may achieve a 3 dB pattern of +/−90 degree azimuth withrespect to the transceiver system 1800 boresight and an elevation ofzero (0) degrees to 70 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. Thispattern may represent a directional pattern of the transceiver system1800.

However, as noted above, by selecting specific polarization feeds oneach of the dual polarized elements of the first sub-array 1802 and thesecond sub-array 1804, and precoding the phase and/or amplitude of thefeeds, a radiation pattern with a predetermined variable polarizationmay be generated as a function of the direction of departure/arrival inthe transceiver system 1800. For example, the transceiver system 1800may realize a 3 dB pattern of +/−180 degree azimuth with respect to thetransceiver system 1800 boresight and an elevation of zero (0) degreesto 70 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. This azimuthal patternconstitutes an omni-directional pattern.

FIG. 19 illustrates a transceiver system 1900. In some instances, thetransceiver system 1900 may be similar to the transceiver system 1800.For example, the transceiver system 1900 may include a first sub-array1902 and a second sub-array 1904. In some instances, the first sub-array1902 and the second sub-array 1904 may include multiple elements thatare dual polarized. In some instances, the first sub-array 1902 and thesecond sub-array 1904 may be dual polarized patch antennas. The firstsub-array 1902 includes a first element 1902(1) and a second element1902(2), and the second sub-array 1904 includes a first element 1904(1)and a second element 1904(2).

The transceiver system 1900 may have dedicated feed ports fortransmitting and receiving via the first sub-array 1902 and the secondsub-array 1904. For example, the transceiver system 1900 is shownincluding a modem 1906 having a first port 1908 and a second port 1910.In some instances, the first port 1908 may represent a transmission andreceiving port, while the second port 1910 may represent a receivingport. As shown, the transceiver system 1900 may include a first powersplitter and combiner 1912 to drive the first element 1902(1) of thefirst sub-array 1902 and the second element 1904(2) of the secondsub-array 1904. The transceiver system 1900 may also include a secondpower splitter and combiner to drive the second element 1902(2) of thefirst sub-array 1902 and the first element 1904(1) of the secondsub-array 1904. In some instances, the first power splitter and combiner1912 and the second power splitter and combiner 1914 may unequally splitand combine power to adjust the relative magnitude of each element inthe transceiver system 1900.

The first element 1902(1) and the second element 1902(2), the firstelement 1904(1) and the second element 1904(2) may be polarizeddifferently than one another (e.g., orthogonally polarized).Additionally, some of the elements of the sub-arrays may have 90 degreephase shifts. For example, the second element 1902(2) may have a 90degree phase shift and the second element 1904(2) may have a 90 degreephase shift. The predetermined phase shifts of the second element1902(2) and the second element 1904(2) may produce circularpolarizations. For example, the predetermined 90 degree phase shift intransmitting signals may result in the transmission of circularlypolarized signals (via vector summing between the elements of thesub-arrays). Additionally, this allows the transceiver system 1900 toreceive circularly polarized signals. That is, the overlapping regionsbetween the elements of the first sub-array 1902 and the secondsub-array 1904 may result in circular polarization (or near circularpolarization).

FIG. 20 illustrates a transceiver system 2000 having multiplesub-arrays. For example, the transceiver system 2000 may include a firstsub-array 2002 and a second sub-array 2004. In some instances, the firstsub-array 2002 and the second sub-array 2004 may include multipleantennas, that are dual polarized. In some instances, the firstsub-array 2002 and the second sub-array 2004 may be dual polarized patchantennas.

The first sub-array 2002 is shown including a first element 2002(1) anda second element 2002(2), while the second sub-array 2004 is shownincluding a first element 2004(1) and a second element 2004(2). Thefirst element 2002(1) of the first sub-array 2002 may represent a leftantenna and the second element 2002(2) of the first sub-array 2002 mayrepresent a right antenna. The first element 2002(1) and the secondelement 2002(2) may include different polarizations, or may be polarizeddifferently than one another. The first element 2002(1) and the secondelement 2002(2) may be orthogonally polarized. Likewise, the firstelement 2004(1) of the second sub-array 2004 may represent a leftantenna and the second element 2004(2) of the second sub-array 2004 mayrepresent a right antenna. The first element 2004(1) and the secondelement 2004(2) may include different polarizations and may beorthogonally polarized.

The transceiver system 2000 has dedicated feed ports for transmittingand receiving via the first sub-array 2002 and the second sub-array2004. For example, the transceiver system 2000 is shown including amodem 2006 that includes a first port 2008, a second port 2010, and athird port 2012. In some instances, the first port 2008 may represent atransmission and receiving port, while the second port 2010 and thethird port 2012 may represent receiving ports. As shown, the transceiversystem 2000 may include a power splitter and combiner 2014 to drive theelements of the first sub-array 2002 and the second sub-array 2004. Forexample, the first port 2008 may split transmission signals to the firstelement 2002(1) of the first sub-array 2002 and the second element2004(2) of the second sub-array 2004 via a phase delay of a composite 90degrees.

During transmission, the splitting of the signals may drive thepolarizations of each element. In some instances, the differentpolarizations of the first element 2002(1) and the second element2004(2) may maximize the polarization diversity across the radiationpattern of the transceiver system 2000. In this example, thepolarization of the second element 2002(2), illustrated as slant leftpolarization, forming the left most extent of the beamwidth while thesecond element 2004(2) may be a right facing slant right polarizationelement forming the right extent of the beamwidth. Due to the 90 degreephase offset, the central facing polarization formed between the rightand left elements may result in a right hand circular polarization.Additionally, this may result in the transmission of circularlypolarized signals (via interaction between the elements) and permit thereceivers of the transceiver system 2000 to receive circularly polarizedsignals.

The second element 2002(2) of the first sub-array 2002 may couple to thesecond port 2010 and the first element 2004(1) of the second sub-array2004 may couple to the third port 2012. The transceiver system 2000 mayrepresent an antenna array having one transmission/receiving port, witha two-way combine/split, and two receiving ports.

FIG. 21 illustrates a graph 2100 showing simulation results for atransceiver system having three sub-arrays, such as the transceiversystem 1500. FIG. 21 illustrates the total power of the transceiversystem at line 2102. The right hand circular polarization (RHCP) isshown by line 2104 and the left hand circular polarization (LHCP) isshown by line 2106. By starting on the left of the graph 2100, thevariation in polarization is observed to change in a trajectory aroundthe Poincaré Sphere. Additionally, the graph 2100 illustrates thepartial overlap of beams may result in destructive interferencedecreasing the gain in specific directions. For example, at zerodegrees, the RHCP is shown as having a lull (e.g., the signals may be180 degree out of phase).

FIG. 22 illustrates a graph 2200 showing simulation results for atransceiver system having three sub-arrays, such as the transceiversystem 1500. FIG. 22 illustrates the total power of the transceiversystem 1500 at line 2202. The horizontal polarization is shown by line2204 and the vertical polarization is shown by line 2206. By starting onthe left of the graph 2200, the variation in polarization is observed tochange in a trajectory around the Poincaré Sphere.

FIG. 23 illustrates a graph 2300 showing simulation results for atransceiver system having three sub-arrays, such as the transceiversystem 1500. FIG. 23 illustrates the total power of the transceiversystem 1500 at line 2302. A +45 degree slant polarization is shown byline 2304 and the −45 degree slant polarization is shown by line 2306.By starting on the left of the graph 2300, the variation in polarizationis observed to change in a trajectory around the Poincaré Sphere.

Across the graphs 2100, 2200, and 2300, the lines 2102, 2202, and 2302illustrates that the total power are the same. Here, any orthogonal pairof measurement antennas can have large gain variations over thebeamwidth while the total power is relatively flat over the +/−90 degreebeamwidth.

FIG. 24 illustrates a graph 2400 showing simulation results for atransceiver system having three sub-arrays, such as the transceiversystem 1600. The line 2402 and the line 2404 represent pattern traces ofthe orthogonal measurements of the transmission receiver port of thetransceiver system 1600, such as the first port 1610. The lines 2406,2408, and 2410 represent the three independent receiving port patterns(e.g., the second port 1612, the third port 1614, and the fourth port1616). A 180 degree phase shift may exist between the right and leftfacing co-polarized elements and create a deep transmission null at 0degrees to improve array gain flatness. In addition, the transceiversystem 1600 traverses a full 360 degrees of rotation around the PoincareSphere. This is due to the +/−90 degree differential phase relative tothe orthogonal center element the maximize polarization diversity.

FIG. 25 illustrates the CPE 108 providing broadband internet to apremises 102 using a plurality of disparate communication protocols. Asdiscussed above, the CPE 108 may be disposed on an exterior of thepremises 102 while the router 110 is disposed on an interior of thepremises 102. The CPE 108 communicatively couples to the router 110 viaa BPL interface (e.g., the first BPL interface 122). The CPE 108additionally communicatively couples to the base station radio device106 via the communication channel 118. The base station radio device 106is shown communicatively coupled to a wide area network (WAN) 2500. TheWAN may be representative of the SPN 116, or an ISP.

In some instances, the premises 102 may include a plurality of diversephysical layer (PHY) technologies, such as wired, optical, or wireless,and/or wide area network (WAN) connections may be available at theutility service entrance of the premises 102.

In some instances, the PHY technologies and WAN technologies provided byInternet Service Providers (ISPs) are processed as needed by compatiblemodems at the CPE 108. For example to support multiple WAN technologiesfor failover redundancy, the top portion 314 of the CPE 108 may beinterchangeable with compatible modems and depending on technologieslocated at the premises 102. For example, as shown, the premises 102 mayinclude an cable 2502 (e.g., coaxial), a DSL 2504 (e.g., twisted pair),and an fiber 2506(e.g., fiber optic). Each of the cable, the DSL 2504,and the fiber 2506 may serve to provide internet services to thepremises 102. For example, the DSL 2504 may represent telephone linesthat carry signals to and from the SPN 116. Traditionally, each of thecable, the DSL 2504, and the fiber 2506 requires a physical routingthrough a structure of the premises 102 for connection to a modem and/orrouter. However, as shown, the CPE 108 may communicatively couple to thecable 2502, the DSL 2504, and/or the fiber 2506 for providing broadbandinternet to the premises 102. That is, rather than routing cablesthrough the premises 102 for providing broadband internet (as discussedabove), the cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and the fiber 2506 may insteadcouple to the CPE 108. Therein, the CPE 108 may communicatively coupleto the router 110 for providing broadband internet to the premises 102.In some instances, the CPE 108, the cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and/or thefiber 2506 may be located at a demarcation point in which services areprovided to the premises 102.

The cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and the fiber 2506 are shown coupling tothe WAN 2500 (e.g., the SPN 116) for providing access to the broadbandinternet. In some instances, the premises 102 may include any and/or allof the cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and the fiber 2506. That is, differentpremises may include different services that provide internet, ordifferent technologies that provide internet to the premises 102.However, in these instances, the CPE 108 may be modular for acceptingany one of the cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and/or the fiber 2506 forproviding broadband internet. In such instances, antenna(s) and/ormodems of the CPE 108 may be configured to be interchangeable andinstalled for providing broadband internet, and depending on the type ofPHY technologies (e.g., the cable 2502, the DSL 2504, and the fiber2506). That is, in some instances, the premises 102 may include thecable 2502 and the CPE 108 may receive the cable 2502 for providingbroadband internet to the premises 102. In this instance, the CPE 108may not wirelessly communicate with the base station radio device 106,but may take advantage of a PHY technology of the premises 102. The CPE108 may also be configured with a modem for communicating with the WAN2500, using the cable 2502. In some instances, the CPE 108 may providethe broadband internet to the premises 102 (via the router 110) usingwired technologies (e.g., BPL) and/or wireless technologies.

As another example, the premises 102 may include the fiber 2506. Here,the CPE 108 may couple to the fiber 2506 for communicatively couplingwith the WAN 2500. The CPE 108 may also include modems and/or modulesfor transmitting and receiving data via the fiber 2506. The CPE 108 maytherein provide broadband internet to the premises 102 (using wiredtechnologies and/or wireless technologies) through communicating withthe router 110.

In some instances, rather than wirelessly receiving broadband internetvia the base station radio device 106, the CPE 108 may wirelessly coupleto an ISP's wireless device 2508, or wireless services. In someinstances, the connections between the CPE 108 and the WAN 2500 may becombined into a plurality of WANs (m-WAN) and conveyed using at least asingle PHY to enter the premises 102. For example, this single PHY maycomprise BPL for transmitting data to the router 110 on the interior ofthe premises 102. However, transmitting and receiving data with the WAN2500 may come by way of wireless, coaxial cable, twisted pair cables,fiber, and so forth. In this sense, the CPE 108 may represent a hub thatis utilized to transmit data into the premises 102.

The CPE 108 may also aggregate data received across a plurality offrequencies or received via the different PHY technologies. For example,the CPE 108 may receive first data over a first frequency and seconddata over a second frequency, and combine the first data and the seconddata before sending into the premises 102, via the first BPL interface122. In this manner, the CPE 108 may dynamically take advantage ofunused frequency, or frequencies with low traffic, for communicatingwith the base station radio device 106 and/or the WAN 2500. This processmay also load balance data sent to and from the WAN 2500. In someinstances, the CPE 108 may include a mmWave antenna/modem foraggregating and/or obtaining higher bandwidths.

Inside the premises 102, in some instances, the plurality of WANconnections (if present) are separated into their independent and ownbridge ethernet connections for WAN aggregation.

Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of WAN connections may beaggregated using the router 110. In some instances, the router 110 maycorrespond to a multi-PHY multi-WAN router (MPMWR). In instances wherethe router 110 comprises a MPMWR, the router 110 may support one or morePHYs on each of the WAN/LAN ports (e.g., using wireless, coax, and soforth) to distribute load-balanced fail-over or WAN bonded multi-PHY LANbandwidth throughout the premises.

In some instances, segmentation of the CPE 108 and the router 110 on theexterior and interior side of the premises 102, respectively, mayprovide for optimal PHY selections. That is, the broadband internet maybe provided to the premises 102 via power networks, DSL cables, cables,and so forth. As such, the optimal (e.g., most reliable, highestbandwidth, etc.) connection(s) are chosen to match existinginfrastructure throughout the premises 102. Installation may be similaras discussed above. For example, the consumer may request service, theutility service or company may survey the premises 102 for available oroptimal PHYs, install the CPE 108 (along with appropriate modems), andthen provision the CPE 108.

In some instances, the CPE 108 may connect to a remote antenna fordelivering broadband internet to the premises 102. For example, in theevent a customer is beyond the useful range of the CBRS spectrum, aremote unit may be deployed. The remote unit may include a directionalantenna that allow the utility service to connect with the premises ininstances where deployment of a radio station radio device is notfeasible.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example process 2600 for providing broadbandinternet to a premises, such as the premises 102.

At 2602, the process 2600 may receive first data from a service providernetwork. For example, the base station radio device 106 may receive,from the SPN 116, data for routing and/or transmitting to the premises102. The base station radio device 106 may receive the first data via abackhaul (e.g., wired and/or wireless). In some instances, the basestation radio device 106 may receive the first data from another basestation radio device and/or a servers, devices, or facilities of the SPN116.

At 2604, the process 2600 may transmit the first data. For example, thebase station radio device 106 may transmit the data to the CPE 108 usingthe interface(s) 204 and antenna(s) 206. The base station radio device106 may communicate with the CPE 108 using any spectrum (e.g., DSS,CBRS, WWAN, C-band, etc.) and according to the technology of the CPE 108(e.g., the first modem module 126). In some instances, the base stationradio device 106 may perform beamforming or beam steering with sendingthe first data.

At 2606, the process 2600 may receive the first data. For example, theCPE 108 may include antenna(s) 120 and the first modem module 126 forreceiving the first data. In some instances, the antenna(s) 120 maybeamform for receiving the first data from the base station radio device106.

At 2608, the process 2600 may transmit the first data. For example, theCPE 108 may transmit the first data via the first BPL interface 122.

At 2610, the process 2600 may receive the first data. For example, therouter 110 may receive the first data, via the second BPL interface 124,from the first BPL interface 122, over electrical wiring of the premises102.

At 2612, the process 2600 may transmit the first data. For example, thesecond modem module 128 and the antenna(s) 132 of the router 110 maytransmit (e.g., broadcast) the first data to the consumer device(s) 112within the premises 102. In some instances, the second modem module 128and the antenna(s) 132 may be modular to broadcast internet to theconsumer device(s) 112 at certain frequencies (e.g., 5.0G). In someinstances, the router 110 distributes Wi-Fi through DSS and/or CBRS.Additionally, the router 110 may include wired connections for providingbroadband internet to the consumer device(s) 112.

At 2614, the process 2600 may receive second data. For example, thesecond modem module 128 and the antenna(s) 132 of the router 110 mayreceive second data from the consumer device(s) 112 (e.g., request tonavigate to a webpage).

At 2616, the process 2600 may transmit the second data. For example, thesecond BPL interface 124 may transmit the second data to the CPE 108.

At 2618, the process 2600 may receive the second data. For example, thefirst BPL interface 122 may receive the second data from the second BPLinterface 124 via the electrical wiring of the premises 102.

At 2620, the process 2600 may transmit the second data. For example, thefirst modem module 126 and the antenna(s) 120 may transmit the seconddata to the base station radio device 106.

At 2622 the process 2622 may receive the second data. For example, theantenna(s) 206 and/or the interface(s) 204 may receive the second dataform the CPE 108.

At 2624, the process 2624 may transmit the second data. For example, thebase station radio device 106 may transmit the second data to the SPN116.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example process 2700 for determining phase shiftsand amplitudes for a transceiver system.

At 2702, the process 2700 may include determining a polarizationdiversity associated with an antenna array. In some instances, thepolarization diversity may be based on a desired achieved polarizationdiversity of the antenna array, an amount of antennas within the antennaarray, and/or a remote antenna with which the transceiver system is tocommunicate with. For example, the remote antenna may be configured toreceive a plurality of polarizations (e.g., circular, vertical, etc.)from the transceiving system (or another system).

At 2704, the process 2700 may include determining a first phase shiftand a first amplitude for a first element of a first antenna of theantenna array. For example, the process 2700 may include a firstsub-array having multiple elements that are dual polarized. A firstelement of the first sub-array may be precoded with a first phase shiftand a first amplitude. The first phase shift and the first amplitude maybe determined, based at least in part on, the desired polarization ofthe antenna array. In some instances, the first phase shift and thefirst amplitude may be relative to an additional antenna of the firstsub-array or an additional antenna of other sub-arrays of the antennaarray.

At 2706, the process 2700 may include determining a second phase shiftand a second amplitude for a second element of a second antenna of theantenna array. For example, the process 2700 may include a secondsub-array having multiple elements that are dual polarized. A secondelement of the second sub-array may be precoded with a second phaseshift and a second amplitude. The second phase shift and the secondamplitude may be determined, based at least in part on, the desiredpolarization of the antenna array. In some instances, the second phaseshift and the second amplitude may be relative to an additional antennaof the second sub-array or an additional antenna of other sub-arrays ofthe antenna array.

Although the process 2700 is discussed with regard to determining phaseshifts and/or amplitudes for two sub-arrays, or a single element of thetwo sub-arrays, the process 2700 may determine phase shifts and/oramplitudes for multiple elements within a sub-array and/or for moresub-arrays (e.g., three).

While the foregoing invention is described with respect to the specificexamples, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is notlimited to these specific examples. Since other modifications andchanges varied to fit particular operating requirements and environmentswill be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is notconsidered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, andcovers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departuresfrom the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Although the application describes embodiments having specificstructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features oracts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merelyillustrative some embodiments that fall within the scope of the claimsof the application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a body including a firstend configured to couple to an electric meter and a second endconfigured to couple to an electric meter socket; and a top portioncoupled to the body, the top portion including: a first planardual-polarized sub-array having a first beam width, the first planardual-polarized sub-array including first orthogonally polarized elementand a second orthogonally polarized element, wherein the firstorthogonally polarized element and the second orthogonally polarizedelement have individual feed ports, and a second planar dual-polarizedsub-array having a second beam width, the second planar dual-polarizedsub-array including a third orthogonally polarized element and a fourthorthogonally polarized element, wherein the third orthogonally polarizedelement and the fourth orthogonally polarized element have individualfeed ports, wherein the first planar dual-polarized sub-array and thesecond planar dual-polarized sub-array are arranged to form a non-planarantenna array having a third beam width that exceeds the first beamwidth and the second beam width.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: thefirst orthogonally polarized element includes a first predeterminedphase and a first amplitude; the second orthogonally polarized elementincludes a second predetermined phase and a second amplitude; the thirdorthogonally polarized element includes a third predetermined phase anda third amplitude; and the fourth orthogonally polarized elementincludes a fourth predetermined phase and a fourth amplitude.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein: the first planar dual-polarized sub-arrayincludes a 70 degree pattern in both azimuth and elevation; the secondplanar dual-polarized sub-array includes a 70 degree pattern in bothazimuth and elevation; and the non-planar antenna array includes a 3 dBpattern of +/−90-degrees azimuth with respect to a boresight of thenon-planar antenna array and an elevation of −0 degrees to +70 degreeswith respect to a plane formed by a surface of the earth.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the non-planar antenna array includes a variablepolarization that is based at least in part on a direction of departureor arrival of signals in the non-planar antenna array.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a power module disposed within the body,wherein: the first planar dual-polarized sub-array is communicativelycoupled to the power module; and the second planar dual-polarizedsub-array is communicatively coupled to the power module.
 6. The deviceof claim 5, further comprising a feed network configured to split powerand distribute the power to at least two of: the first orthogonallypolarized element; the second orthogonally polarized element; the thirdorthogonally polarized element; and the fourth orthogonally polarizedelement.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein: the top portion furtherincludes a third planar dual-polarized sub-array having a fourth beamwidth, the third planar dual-polarized sub-array including a fifthorthogonally polarized element and a sixth orthogonally polarizedelement, wherein the fifth orthogonally polarized element and the sixthorthogonally polarized element have individual feed ports; and the firstplanar dual-polarized sub-array, the second planar dual-polarizedsub-array, and the third planar dual-polarized sub-array are arranged toform the non-planar antenna array with the third beam width that exceedsthe first beam width, the second beam width, and the fourth beam width.8. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-planar antenna array has atleast one of a polarization diversity, a spatial diversity, a timediversity, or a frequency diversity for sending and receiving signalswith a remote device in non-line of sight communications.
 9. Atransceiver system, comprising: a body configured to receive an electricmeter and couple to an electric meter socket; and a multi-antenna arrayincluding: a first sub-array having a first antenna and a secondantenna, a second sub-array having a third antenna and a fourth antenna,a third sub-array having a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna, atransmission and receiving port communicatively coupled to the firstantenna, the fourth antenna, and the fifth antenna, a first receivingport communicatively coupled to the second antenna, a second receivingport communicatively coupled to the third antenna, and a third receivingport communicatively coupled to the sixth antenna.
 10. The transceiversystem of claim 9, wherein: the first sub-array represents a firstdual-polarized sub-array that includes the first antenna and the secondantenna; the second sub-array represents a second dual-polarizedsub-array that includes the third antenna and the fourth antenna; andthe third sub-array represents a third dual-polarized sub-array thatincludes the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna.
 11. The transceiversystem of claim 9, wherein: the first antenna and the second antenna areorthogonally polarized; the third antenna and the fourth antenna areorthogonally polarized; and the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna areorthogonally polarized.
 12. The transceiver system of claim 9, whereinthe first sub-array includes a first beam width; the second sub-arrayincludes a second beam width; the third sub-array includes a third beamwidth; and the first sub-array, the second sub-array, and the thirdsub-array generate a collective beam width that exceeds the first beamwidth, the second beam width, and the third beam width.
 13. Thetransceiver system of claim 9, wherein: the first sub-array includes afirst polarization; the second sub-array includes a second polarization;the third sub-array includes a third polarization; and a fourthpolarization, different from at least one of the first polarization, thesecond polarization, or the third polarization is generated via aconstructive interference of the first sub-array, the second sub-array,and the third sub-array.
 14. The transceiver system of claim 9, whereinthe multi-antenna array is configured to generate at least one of apolarization diversity, a spatial diversity, a time diversity, or afrequency diversity in non-line of sight communications with a remotedevice.
 15. A device, comprising: a first housing including a first endconfigured to couple to an electric meter and a second end configured tocouple to an electric meter socket; a power module disposed at leastpartially within the first housing, the power module being configured tocouple to electrical wiring at a premises; and a second housingincluding: an antenna array, a feed network communicatively coupled tothe power module, the feed network being configured to split power anddistribute the power to at least one element of one or more sub-arraysof the antenna array, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) modulecommunicatively coupled to the antenna array and the power module, and abroadband over powerline (BPL) interface communicatively coupled to theWWAN module and the power module.
 16. The device of claim 15, whereinthe feed network is further configured to delay a phase of the power theat least one element of the one or more sub-arrays to create apolarization diversity across a radiation pattern of the antenna array.17. The device of claim 15, wherein the one or more sub-arrays of theantenna array comprise: a first sub-array including: a firstorthogonally polarized element having a first predetermined phase and afirst amplitude, and a second orthogonally polarized element having asecond predetermined phase and a second amplitude; and a secondsub-array including: a third orthogonally polarized element having athird predetermined phase and a third amplitude, and a fourthorthogonally polarized element having a fourth predetermined phase and afourth amplitude.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein: the firstsub-array generates a first beam width; the second sub-array generates asecond beam width; and the first beam width and the second beam widthconstructively interfere with one another to generate a third beam widththat is greater than the first beam width and the second beam width. 19.The device of claim 17, wherein the first orthogonally polarizedelement, the second orthogonally polarized element, the thirdorthogonally polarized element, and the fourth orthogonally polarizedelement have individual feed ports.
 20. The device of claim 17, whereinthe antenna array is configured to generate a directional pattern.